May 08, 2026

Environmental Specialist Level I/II

Job Description

Environmental Specialists apply scientific theory and methods to identify, research, and resolve environmental issues in the areas of regulatory compliance, public health, environmental health and pollution prevention.

Environmental Specialist is a single class with two levels: Environmental Specialist (Level II) and Environmental Specialist (Level I). The level at which initial appointments are made and when advancements occur are at the discretion of the appointing authority. Incumbents may advance from Level I to Level II, if they have: (1) met the minimum and special qualifications, and (2) have demonstrated the ability to perform the responsibilities required at the higher performance level.

The County of Sacramento’s Environmental Management Department consists of two divisions, Environmental Compliance and Environmental Health. Candidates on the eligible list may be considered to fill vacancies in either division.  To be considered for a position with Environmental Health, you must either possess written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services (i.e., the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter), or possess a valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the State of California.  Other departments within the County also employ Environmental Specialists but may not require the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter or the REHS.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist (Level I)

Either: 1. 
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field

Or: 2. Written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services. Incumbents assigned to positions requiring State Certification must achieve certification/registration within the period prescribed by State Law or be subject to dismissal under applicable Civil Service Rules.

Note: 
Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide the acceptance letter mentioned above.

Environmental Specialist (Level II)

Either: 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

- and -


One year of professional experience in environmental regulation, analysis, or environmental research performing duties and responsibilities equivalent to the Environmental Specialist (Level I) class in Sacramento County service.

Or: 2. Possession of valid certification as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by State of California.

Or: 3. Possession of valid certification as Registered Dairy Inspector by State of California.

Or: 4. Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

Note: Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide documentation of the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

Note: Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience similar to that described on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units.