To see more and apply, visit the job posting directly.

The Opportunity

As the Harvest Site Specialist, you will process harvest site certificate applications, inspect shellfish companies, work in the export certification program, and conduct environmental sampling for the marine biotoxin and Vibrio parahaemolyticus programs.

The mission of the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) is to improve the health of people in Washington State by reducing and preventing, where possible, human exposures to a variety of environmental hazards and disease pathogens associated with the disposal of wastewater, the food we eat, the schools our children attend, and the places we recreate and overnight.

• Learn more about OEHS.

This is a full-time permanent Public Health Advisor 2 position.

About DOH and our Employer of Choice Initiatives

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.  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. To learn more about the agency, visit the DOH website and DOH at a Glance Infographic (PDF) (Download PDF reader).

DOH is a great place to work and has implemented several “Employer of Choice” initiatives, including:

• We are committed to diversity and inclusion. DOH fosters an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work each day. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce that is reflective of the customers we serve. Watch the DOH “Diversity is Rising” video.
• We have an engaging Wellness@Health program which offers programs that support healthy behaviors and work/life balance. Our program provides wellness education, access to healthy food, physical activity classes, stress relief, and many other resources to support a healthy you.
• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules, and mobile and telework options.  (Depending upon job duties.)
• We are making exciting steps towards modernizing our workplace by providing motivating and inspiring workspaces that promote creative thought, innovation, and collaboration among co-workers.  Take the DOH Workplace Modernization Virtual Tour.
• We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.  Eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers, or legal guardians can bring their infant (6 weeks to 6 months) when returning to work.  (Depending upon job duties and work location.)  Watch KING 5’s Drew Mikkelsen report on the Infant at Work program.

What will you be doing? – Duties include:

• Reviews and processes harvest site applications.  Enters new applications and lease extensions into the shellfish database and manages harvest site data.
• Coordinates pollution source review with Growing Area staff to ensure a complete and timely review of new applications.
• Makes required changes to harvest site certificates during harvester and shellfish dealer renewal periods.
• Conducts standardized public health inspections of non-tribal and tribal licensed commercial shellfish harvesters to ensure compliance with state, tribal, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements.
• Inspects shellfish operations for compliance to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plans, Harvest Site Certification, shellfish identification, sanitation standard operating procedures and monitoring records to document for program compliance.
• Audits commercial shellfish harvesters for compliance with the Vp Control Plan.
• Issues NOAA export certificates in compliance with the national export program and receiving country’s requirements.
• Processes DOH export certificate applications by reviewing for completeness.  Ensures that export certificates are issued in keeping with state and federal regulations and the receiving country’s requirements.
• Collects and tracks biotoxin and Vibrio parahaemolyticus samples.
• Maintains records of continuous in situ temperature data collected for the Vibrio parahaemolyticus program.
• Organizes collection and submission of shellfish samples during illness investigations as requested by the Illness Prevention Coordinator.
• Installs, operates, and maintains environmental sampling equipment, including the Vibrio parahaemolyticus program’s temperature sensors.
• Calibrates refractometers, thermometers, and temperature sensors in accordance with specifications and standard operating procedures.

What we’re looking for

The ideal candidate is a team player, defined as having a driving passion for the work, bringing humility to their job and people interactions, and understanding how their words and actions affect others.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in or higher in public health, environmental health, natural or physical science, or an allied field.
• Two (2) or more years of professional experience in an environmental health, public health, natural science, or physical science program WHICH INCLUDES one (1) or more years of experience conducting environmental monitoring OR participating in an environmental health inspection program.

• Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness – Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Interpersonal Savvy – Relating openly and comfortable with diverse groups of people.
• Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Optimizes Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications 

• A Master’s degree in public health, environmental health, civil or environmental engineering, or a closely allied field.
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in an environmental health, public health, natural science, or physical science program.
• Two (2) or more years of experience conducting environmental monitoring or participating in an environmental health inspection program.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions

     With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work in an office setting as well as work in the field:
  • Work indoors, at a desk/workstation the majority of a work day, in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions.
  • Work in the field, in rough terrain and in a variety of weather conditions.  Use proper safety considerations when conducting work in the field.
• Work in a tobacco-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment.
• Work 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.  A flexible work schedule may be considered upon request and supervisory approval, after an initial review period.
• Occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evening and weekends, to meet program needs and critical deadlines.
• Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation.
• Occasionally travel throughout the state which may include overnight stays, as required, while performing the duties of this position.  Travel may be alone or with another person.
• Move or transport objects and materials weighting up to 25 pounds.
• Work in a fast-paced/stressful environment with multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information accessed or discussed while performing the duties of the position.
• Interact and work with customers (some of whom may be frustrated or distressed) in a positive, friendly, and supportive manner that meets the needs and standards of the office and the agency.
• Participate as part of the DOH emergency response team during health emergencies and training events.

This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

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 Skyler Jones at (360) 236-4408, Skyler.Jones@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.

Application Process

Intrigued? We’d love to hear from you.  Click “Apply” to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

1. A letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific required and desired qualifications for this position.
2. A current resume.
3. Three (3) or more professional references, to be included in your profile. Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) a subordinate.

DO NOT attach transcripts or other documents that are not requested in the Application Process, or that are password protected.  These type of documents cause errors when downloading application materials and will not be forwarded to the hiring supervisor. Veterans, please feel free to attach a copy of your DD214 (redact SSN).