There is one (1) opening for a non-permanent full-time Environmental Specialist 1 within the Division of Environmental Public Health – Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences.

This non-permanent position is anticipated to last up to five (5) months.

To learn more about the Division of Environmental Public Health, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/EnvironmentalPublicHealth.aspx

To learn more about the Office of Environmental Health Public Health Sciences, visit

http://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/EnvironmentalPublicHealth/EnvironmentalPublicHealthSciences.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help protect and improve the health of people in Washington. Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. DOH recognizes that employees are its most valuable resource. We trust them to be innovative, challenge existing processes, and make the best decisions. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce. To learn more about DOH, visithttp://www.doh.wa.gov.

This position helps protect and enhance the health of the people of Washington State by carrying out tick collection efforts so that they can be tested for human disease pathogens.

Under the oversight of the Field Surveillance Coordinator, the incumbent is responsible for following project work plans, field protocols, communicating reguarly with partners, and carrying out tick surveillance and collection activities at field sites around Washington. The incumbent assists with preparing ticks for testing and shipment to the University of Massachusetts, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratories for pathogen testing within prescribed timelines. He/she enters surveillance data into spreadsheet files and manages surveillance supplies.

·       A Bachelor’s degree or higher in entomology, biology, environmental health, wildlife biology, or a closely allied field; which MUST include one (1) or more quarter(s) of undergraduate fieldwork collecting environmental samples and associated data; OR three (3) or more months of equivalent work experience.

·       Basic-level experience using MS Word and MS Excel; as well as demonstrated experience using MS Outlook and the internet.

·       Detail oriented – ensures tick sampling is conducted consistently according to surveillance protocols and data is tracked and entered into spreadsheets correctly.

·       Time management – manages time efficiently to ensure that daily and weekly surveillance tasks are completed and communication with project partners is conducted in a timely manner.

·       Results oriented – focuses on achieving desired project outcomes and takes initiative to help the project meet those outcomes.

·       Effective Team Player – works closely with surveillance team and partners to achieve project goals and timelines.

·       Works Independently – works with minimal supervision, makes sound decisions on safety risks and work-related issues while working at field sites and when traveling.

With or without an accommodation, I am:

·       Willing and able to work, both in an office setting and field environment.

·       Willing and able to independently travel to field sites and conduct field surveillance to include tick drags, trapping, and host inspections.

·       Willing and able to work in a variety of outdoor conditions and habitats while conducting tick surveillance.

·       Willing and able to work in an outdoor setting, negotiate wet and/or uneven surfaces, and maintain safety awareness/precautions.

·       Willing and able to correctly use personal protective equipment as surveillance protocols dictate.

·       Willing and able to handle live larval, nymphal, and adult ticks.

·       Willing and able to inspect a variety of mammals and reptiles for ticks.

·       Willing and able to use a dissecting scope to identify tick specimens.

·       Willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust your normally scheduled hours, which may include evenings and weekends, to meet the tick surveillance needs.

·       Willing and able to move or transport materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Note: This position is covered by an “Agency Shop” provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, the incumbent of this position must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are placed into pay status.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer.  DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful.  It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.  Applicants wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process should contact Cher Williams at (360) 236-4545, Cher.Williams@doh.wa.gov or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.

Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the “Apply” button and submit the following:

1.           A current and detailed applicant profile.

2.           Three (3) or more professional references (to be included in your applicant profile).  Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and if you’ve supervised other staff, a subordinate.

3.           Responses to the Supplemental Questions.

* Important information regarding the Application Process and the Supplemental Questions

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process and Supplemental Questions in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

NOTE:  Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.