Environmental Health Specialist, REHS (7146U) - #79129

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety's (EH&S) mission is to provide guidance and services to the campus community that promote health, safety, and environmental stewardship. EH&S is a highly dynamic, fast paced, committed organization focused on promoting workplace safety and environmental protection for the campus community. We are comprised of many scientific, technical, and administrative professionals, working in an evolving, learning, and sometimes challenging environment with a unified goal of supporting the University's mission of teaching, research and public service. EH&S strives to be an inclusive, service oriented, and operationally excellent organization and is seeking highly motivated individuals who want to learn, be creative, seek continuous competency development, and contribute to our mission. For more information, visit http://ehs.berkeley.edu.

Position Summary

The Environmental Health Specialist serves as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) for the UC Berkeley Campus providing primary sanitation services to campus food service establishments, special events, potable water systems, swimming pools, and campus housing. Additionally, the Environmental Health Specialist will provide broad safety services to the field research community.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 07/04/2025. This position is open until filled.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and monitors campus environmental and safety programs, systems, procedures, and training in Sanitation.

Inspects, investigates incidents and complaints, and invokes corrective action as needed.

Sanitation: Retail Food Facility Program and Special Events

• Investigates and identifies environmental health and safety hazards. Establishes and coordinates corrective measures with appropriate departments.
• Routinely inspects campus food facilities and special events for compliance with sanitation regulations. Includes events hosted by student organizations, Intercollegiate Athletics events with food concessions, and entertainment venues operated by Cal Performances.
• Reviews and approves requests for special event permits related to food distribution.
• Conducts plan reviews and construction site inspections for new and remodeled food facilities.
• Conducts epidemiological investigations, as required, of communicable diseases and food borne illnesses. Develops effective methods for gathering information and writes reports on epidemiological issues.
• Monitors compliance and issues permits for operation; recognized authority equivalent to Department of Public Health - City of Berkeley.
• Provides support and training to campus food facilities in proper procedures and methods for sanitation and hygiene.

Program

• Organizes and works efficiently to maintain the targeted rechargeable service hours. Assists in resolving recharge questions and issues associated with the program.
• Designs new and / or recommends improvements to existing processes and procedures.

Conducts sampling and/or monitoring related to field(s) of responsibility: Sanitation

• Provides consultation, investigation, sampling and analysis of the campus water system. Evaluates and reports findings and implements any necessary procedures to ensure that campus water meets all regulatory drinking water standards.
• Inspects campus swimming pools on a routine basis. Reviews construction plans for new or remodeled swimming pools, spas and facilities.
• Conducts complaint investigations. Issues permits to operate swimming pools, spas, and interactive water parks or fountains.
• Serves as witness for the University in matters related to disinfection of new domestic water plumbing lines and systems.
• Provides support to various safety programs as needed, including
• Injury investigations, injury prevention, and regulatory compliance (Title 8, California Code of Regulations).
• Monitors environmental health regulatory compliance and may serve as organization liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Community Noise - assesses community noise exposure concerns from the campus community and city residents. Provides written report of findings and recommendations.
• Industrial Hygienist On-Call: On a rotational basis, during business hours, provide industrial hygiene services for emergency indoor air quality calls and industrial hygiene support for large, highly hazardous, or unfamiliar chemical spills.

Performs technical work related to: Field Research Station Safety

• Assists field station managers with regulatory reporting and compliance related to environmental health programs, including: Organized Camps, housing, food safety, water quality, wells, septic systems, pest management, and other subject matter pertinent to Registered Environmental Health Specialist oversight.
• Occasional travel within California to UC Berkeley-managed field stations will be required.
• Drives vehicles in fulfillment of job responsibilities.

Within specific field maintains knowledge/expertise on existing/proposed changes in all regulations; interprets and applies relevant laws, regulations, codes and standards, including making recommendations for work environment changes based on interpretations and principles of professional practices. Creates and adjusts methodologies to meet changing regulatory and scientific environment.

• Completes and maintains compliance on campus/systemwide training requirements, as well as any training necessary per role

Staff development:

• Works on professional committees and assignments, participates in professional training and attends relevant conferences, and/or is mentored or coached on a formal or informal basis.

Member of Designated Urgent Response Team: Regular rotation, 24/7, up to every 6-8 weeks or more frequently as needed.

• Provide technical support to the Dedicated Urgent Response Team (DURT) program by serving as a "Designated Responder". Must be accessible via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill) during business hours. Will perform directly or coordinate any necessary field activities to evaluate and mitigate a hazard.
• Provide technical support to the DURT program by serving as the "Lead Off-Hours Responder". Must be accessible by UCPD via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill) during non-business hours.
• Must be within one hour of campus and may not engage in activity that will affect the ability to respond.
• To serve as a designated responder, incumbent must meet the specific requirements of the program as outlined in the EH&S DURT Program Guidelines. These include occupational physical qualifications.
• Medical baseline is required.

Campus Support

• At the request of campus management (EH&S Director, VC Administration/Research, UCPD Chief, or designated alternate), must be available in a campus disaster or campus hazardous material release/threatened release, to serve in the appropriate emergency response role based upon expertise and, where applicable, designated departmental role.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge/understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge/understanding of all EH&S fields.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines.
• Interdisciplinary understanding of the physiochemical, biological and medical sciences and their practical application to sanitation issues and public health programs.
• Knowledge about public health interventions that protect community or workplace populations from unhealthful exposures to hazardous materials, infectious disease, physical and general safety hazards.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret technical regulations and guidelines governing environmental health.
• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill to communicate effectively in a varied environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.
• Skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and effectively in a team structure with other professionals.
• Professional Certification Required: Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the California State Department of Health Services.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

Governing Laws and Regulations:

• Incumbent's responsibilities are guided by a significant number of federal, state, and local laws and regulations and
• campus safety policies and procedures/guidelines. These include the California Labor Code, California Occupational
• Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA), California Administrative Code, California Pool Code, and California Retail Food Code.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,400.00 - $112,900.00, commensurate with experience.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.