Childhood Environmental Lead Exposure Prevention Unit Supervisor (EP 5) DOH9001

Washington State Health Care Authority; Washington; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Work-life balance

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health seeks a Childhood Environmental Exposure Prevention Unit Supervisor to oversee lead-exposure prevention in schools, childcare facilities, and drinking water. The role guides program strategy, manages federal grants, and strengthens partnerships to reduce childhood lead exposure.

The position is homebased with hybrid work options, reporting to the Healthy Homes and Communities Section Manager, and requires collaboration with state and local partners to

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state, or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.
• Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental health field or closely related field, and Six (6) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state, or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.
• Master's degree in public health, environmental health field or closely related field, and four (4) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of lead in school drinking water and childcare facilities’ programs and initiatives.
• Develop policies, procedures, and operational frameworks that support effective program delivery.
• Oversee the development, execution, and management of grants and contracts.
• Establish strategic priorities and comprehensive program plans to reduce childhood lead exposure and poisoning.
• Ensure programs are aligned with agency priorities, public health best practices, and environmental justice principles.
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and expansion.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of Chapter 28A.210.410 RCW and ensuring compliance with other relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and grant requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's in public health/environmental health

Master's in public health/environmental health

Job description

Childhood Environmental Exposure Prevention Unit Supervisor

Environmental Planner 5 (EP 5)

Pesticides Illness Surveillance and Prevention Program

Permanent · Fulltime · Homebased

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work environment, where you can balance working from home and collaborating in the office. It is anticipated that you’ll be expected to perform work activities in the office or field within the state 10% of the time. Occasional travel outside the state for meetings or conferences will be communicated in advance

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to oversee the Childhood Environmental Exposure Prevention Unit within the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences (OEPHS). This position supports the agency's mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State by identifying and reducing environmental sources of lead exposure, specifically in schools, childcare facilities, and drinking water.

Reporting to the Healthy Homes and Communities Section Manager, this position will guide the program operations and evidence-based strategies, oversee federal grants, manage contracts, strengthen partnerships with state and local organizations, provide scientific and technical expertise, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The incumbent will lead efforts to create alignment and synergy across multiple childhood lead prevention initiatives, including the Lead in School Drinking Water Program and the EPA Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Grant Program.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Program Leadership and Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of lead in school drinking water and childcare facilities’ programs and initiatives.
• Develop policies, procedures, and operational frameworks that support effective program delivery.
• Oversee the development, execution, and management of grants and contracts.
• Establish strategic priorities and comprehensive program plans to reduce childhood lead exposure and poisoning.
• Ensure programs are aligned with agency priorities, public health best practices, and environmental justice principles.
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and expansion.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of Chapter 28A.210.410 RCW and ensuring compliance with other relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and grant requirements.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, childcare providers, local health jurisdictions, tribal partners, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Foster partnerships that support equitable access to resources and services for communities disproportionately impacted by lead exposure.
• Represent the agency in statewide and national discussions related to childhood environmental health.

Technical Expertise and Public Health Impact

• Provide technical assistance, education, and consultation to internal and external partners.
• Translate complex environmental health information into actionable guidance for diverse audiences.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and support staff responsible for program implementation and community engagement activities.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Support staff development and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Monitor content, quality, and timeliness of work, providing timely feedback.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to build and shape a growing public health program that directly improves the lives of children and families across Washington State. The position offers the chance to lead innovative environmental health initiatives, influence statewide policy and prevention efforts, and work alongside passionate professionals committed to health equity and environmental justice. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills, expand partnerships across multiple sectors, and help create lasting public health impact through meaningful, science-driven work.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Eight (8) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state, or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.

Option 2: Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental health field or closely related field, and Six (6) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state, or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.

Option 3: Master's degree in public health, environmental health field or closely related field, and four (4) years of experience in regulatory guidelines in a local, state or federal program planning or development, health services program or similar setting.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Two (2) years supervising or leading a team
• Experience building and maintaining successful relationships with diverse partners

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Experience with Washington State Contracting Policies and Procedures.
• Strong facilitation, coordination and organizational skills.

• Experience with environmental lead exposure sampling, testing and remediation

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting:

• Although the position’s work requires occasional in-person attendance to perform duties at various locations throughout Washington state, the official duty station for this position is home-based.
• When not travelling for work, the incumbent may work from home, from a DOH facility, or work remotely from an alternate location

Schedule:

• Position’s business hours are expected to be 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Alternative work schedules may be considered upon request from the incumbent and with the approval of the supervisor. Members of the team work hours starting early in the morning and on Saturdays during the school year. While the sampling supervisor (reporting to this position) typically takes calls, there may be some back-up coverage necessary.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel is required, sometimes beyond standard business hours. This position may travel to meetings, training, and sampling events throughout the state to perform the functions of the position.
• When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.

Tools & Equipment:

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinets, computer, printer, telephone, and copy machines).

Customer Interactions:

• Frequent interaction with a variety of agency staff and managers on an ongoing basis. This position also interacts with members of the public, school employees, and various state agencies.

Other:

• Ability to take action to learn and grow
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.