The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking to fill (2) full-time Term Limited Temporary OR Special Duty Assignment Health and Environmental Investigator I-II (HEI-I-II) positions that will provide technical assistance to industry professionals, business, and the public; investigate on-site sewage system (OSS) failures, and review routine and time-of-sale inspection reports submitted by OSS industry professionals. This position also certifies professionals and reviews building applications received by Public Health for joint reviews that involve the King County Department of Local Services. By performing this work, the HEI-I-II will enable property owners and businesses to protect public health and comply with the codes of the King County Board of Health. Additionally, the HEI-I-II will implement program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION:
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender or economic status. The Division’s core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve.

To learn more about EHS, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/environmental-health.aspx.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation’s history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx.

SALARY INFORMATION (depending on qualifications):
$31.23 – $39.58 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I$36.86 – $46.73 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II

WHO MAY APPLY: These positions are open to King County Employees and the general public. These 2 Term-Limited Temporary or Special Duty Assignment positions are set for 1 year.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.

WORK LOCATION: Bellevue/Eastside 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue WA 98007.

Work duties may require occasional work at the King County Chinook Building (401 5th Ave, Seattle WA 98104) and/or King County Department of Local Services – Permits office (35030 SE Douglas St, Ste 210, Snoqualmie WA 98065)

CONTACT: If you have additional questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Nic Horea, Senior Human Resource Analyst at nicolae.horea@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8736.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

1. NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
2. Responses to the supplemental questions.
3. A current resume .
4. A cover letter that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Job Duties

• Provide culturally competent education and technical assistance to industries, facilities, and the general public.
• Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences.
• Partner with other Environmental Health Division programs and staff to engage communities and provide outreach materials that encourage long-term behavioral change.
• Review inspection reports submitted by OSS industry professionals to enforce consistent standards and notify OSS owners of potential public health risks.
• Conduct OSS inspections to ensure compliance with current public health and environmental codes, regulations, and policies.
• Perform investigations in response to public complaints, determine if violation has occurred, document violations, and coordinate activities with senior investigators to initiate enforcement or corrective actions, as required.
• Survey designated areas to identify impaired water quality and/or public health risks, trace pollution to sources, and work with property owners to correct identified problems.
• Use electronic databases and other computerized systems to maintain accurate records and write and review reports.
• Present basic environmental health program information at meetings and public forums.
• Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsRequired Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and policies relating to environmental health and protection.
• Knowledge of environmental sciences and engineering principles, public health principles and disease process, and disease prevention principles.
• Knowledge of environmental protection programs, laws, regulations and policy processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills that provide good customer service and bring clarity to complex situations.
• Ability to apply conflict resolution techniques to build trust.
• Ability to apply codes, laws, and policies to obtain compliance for public health and environmental protection.
• Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex environmental health investigations using regulatory and technical research methods, synthesize information, and assess organizational impact.
• Skill in balancing regulations with individual situations.

Desired Qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience successfully serving broadly diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience investigating failing OSS and permitting repairs and new system designs.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing web portals, geographic information systems, or other software solutions for managing large quantities of data.
• Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing or reviewing inspection reports.
• Demonstrated experience and skill in utilizing concepts of behavioral change to engage communities with successful outcomes
• Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health equivalent.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

• An HEI Level II hire requires, at the time of hire, possession of a valid certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS).
• An HEI Level I hire requires obtaining a valid REHS certificate from NEHA or an RS from WSBRS within one year of the hire date as a condition of continuing employment.
• Valid Washington State Driver License.
• All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.

For your convenience below if information from NEHA that allow you to take the exam online at any time. Exam Scheduling and Location: Candidates can choose to schedule REHS/RS examination in several different ways.
1. The REHS/RS exam is offered annually at the NEHA Annual Education Conference (AEC) & Exhibition.
2. State Affiliate and Regional Meeting periodically offer the REHS/RS exam at their meeting/conferences. An up to date listing of these meeting/conference offerings can be found at the NEHA website:
http://www.neha.org/pdf/cred/State_Affiliate_and%20_Regional_Meeting_Test_Dates.pdf
3. Candidates can choose to take the exam on computer through Pearson VUE. By choosing this option candidates can schedule the examination at their convenience at one of Pearson VUE’s testing locations nationwide. To find a Pearson VUE testing center near you please visit: http://pearsonvue.com/neha. Taking the exam at Pearson VUE not only offers the candidate flexibility in scheduling the exam, but also allows the candidate to receive his/her unofficial scores immediately following the conclusion of the exam.Supplemental Information

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring 
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The selected candidate is required to be subject to a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time.

UNION AFFILIATION: 
This position is represented by PROTEC Local 17 Union.