To see more and apply, visit the job posting directly.
This position assists with opening or closing shellfish harvest areas based on rainfall, flooding, and spill events, and works with commercial shellfish companies to assure they are notified about closures.
About the Office
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 the OEHS.
This is a full-time permanent position.
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 on 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 on 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:
• Assisting the shoreline survey leads in completing surveys along Washington’s beaches by collecting and reviewing water quality data, inspecting individual on-site sewage systems, and evaluating other shoreline pollution sources, focusing on nonpoint pollution and its impact on safe shellfish harvest.
• Planning, organizing, and completing the reevaluation of potential shoreline pollution sources.
• Reviewing information provided by commercial shellfish companies about an area or parcel for potential shellfish harvest. Assuring these areas have been evaluated for potential nonpoint pollution sources and preparing a plan to evaluate if necessary.
• Assisting with the opening or closing shellfish harvest areas based on rainfall, flooding, and spill events and determining the length of the closure. In addition you will work with commercial shellfish companies to assure they are notified about closures.
What we’re looking for – Required Qualifications
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, environmental health, natural or physical science or allied field; AND two (2) or more years of professional experience in an environmental health, public health, natural science, or physical science program.
• One (1) or more years of experience evaluating nonpoint water pollution sources.
• Knowledge of the following:
o Nonpoint pollution source evaluation methods.
o On-site sewage system evaluation methods.
Desired Qualification(s)
• Four (4) or more years of experience in public health or environmental health.
• Three (3) or more years experience evaluating nonpoint source pollution.
• Two (2) or more of years experience working at a local health jurisdiction on on-site sewage system issues.
• Registered Sanitarian in Washington State or with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
• A Master’s degree in public health, environmental health, natural or physical sciences or allied field.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:
• Work indoors, at a desk/workstation in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions.
• Work in a tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free environment.
• Occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evening and weekends.
• Occasionally travel throughout the state (including rural areas) which may include overnight stays.
• Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation to travel to remote locations.
• Spend long hours on foot and to walk over rough terrain and up hills.
• Occasionally travel aboard a small boat to remote locations and to get on and off the boat.
• Work in the field during inclement weather.
• Work in a fast-paced/stressful environment with multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
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).