WHO MAY APPLY:  Open to the general public.

FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:

• A King County Application Form
• Resume and Cover Letter
• Answers to the Supplemental Questions

The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (Haz Waste Program) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental scientist. The Haz Waste Program is one of the leading local government hazardous waste and toxics reduction programs in the United States, with an annual budget of approximately $18M and 73 staff across four implementing agencies. The program provides high-quality services including hazardous waste collection, toxics reduction, behavior change initiatives, business technical assistance, safer alternatives education, and policy development. For more information on the Haz Waste Program, including examples of program research, visit www.HazWasteHelp.org.

The Environmental Scientist is part of a Research Team that ensures program services are grounded in scientific evidence. The position plays a key role identifying, collecting, and applying scientific data to program services and policy initiatives.

The Haz Waste Program is committed to workplace and service equity. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce, and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment for staff. The Program strives to embed racial equity and environmental justice throughout its operations.Job DutiesMake a difference by conducting and applying research to help reduce human and environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals:

• Develop and manage applied research projects (from concept to closure) on hazardous chemicals, hazardous wastes, and safer alternatives.
• Promote and apply research standards including quality assurance and human subject protection protocols.
• Develop policy and service delivery recommendations based on research and available scientific data

Improve the health of historically underserved individuals and communities:

• Develop a stronger understanding of health and exposure disparities in King County.
• Research chemical exposures that are unique to specific populations and income groups in King County.
• Engage with impacted po pulations on research and intervention design.
• Assist in developing culturally-appropriate intervention strategies to reduce exposure.

Collaborate with strategic partners:

• Develop productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Coordinate research activities with other federal, state, and local agencies.

Stay up to date on the latest evidence and provide scientific consultation to others:

• Stay current on issues related to chemicals policy, toxicology, business pollution prevention, and safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals and products.
• Prepare and present written and oral reports to diverse audiences, including the public and elected officials.
• Provide technical consultation to staff on research methodology and design, and provide technical review of materials prepared by others.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsCandidates with the following qualifications will be successful in this position:

Knowledge and ability to apply scientific principles and practices, including:

• A minimum of five years of experience in applied research in the fields of environmental science, toxicology, industrial hygiene, environmental chemistry or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting studies using human subject protection protocols.
• Skill in researching, using statistical analysis, and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Familiarity with chemical hazard information sources.
• Experience in at least one of the following: human health risk assessment, safer alternatives assessment, or business pollution prevention.
• Demonstrated familiarity with relational databases and statistical software (e.g., MS Access, SPSS, SAS, STATA, or R.).

Exceptional oral and written communication skills:

• Demonstrated ability to oversee, write, and present complex reports for technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong ability to collaborate and leverage differences in a constructive manner:

• Skill in group facilitation, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Ability to develop constructive and effective working relationships with people at all levels of an organization, and with external partners.

Knowledge of equity and social justice principles: 

• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups in a culturally appropriate manner.

Supplemental InformationNECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Driver’s License or the ability to travel throughout the County in a timely manner
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, for example to move sampling equipment, supplies or coolers containing samples. Ability to work both in and out of the office, for example in small businesses, residences or other locations where hazardous materials may be present.

Desired Qualifications:
While not required, the most competitive applicants will have the following qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in toxicology, public health, environmental science, or closely-related field and/or equivalent education and experience.
• Skill and experience managing projects.
• Experience developing policies to prevent hazardous chemical exposure.
• Experience working with traditionally underserved populations using an equity and social justice lens.

WORK SCHEDULE:  This full-time position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. This position is a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. This position may be required to work extended and/or flex scheduled work hours to respond to service needs.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:
This position is represented by the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, Council 2, Local 1652R.

For questions about this recruitment, contact:
Michelle Kobuki
michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov
206-477-4740.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:  The attached questions must be completed and submitted with the application. These questions address important elements of these positions and the information you provide will help to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Please limit your response to no more than one page per question.