Environmental Health Specialist I/II

Tacoma--pierce-County-Health-Department; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is hiring two regular, full-time Environmental Health Specialist positions in the Onsite Sewage/Water Resources program within the Environmental Health Division. Responsibilities include plan review, inspections, education, and customer service to enforce regulations.

The starting hourly wage ranges from $34.41 to $36.84, with the full salary range $34.41 to $49.98 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public health, or related field required.
• EHS II requires RS/REHS certification or equivalent experience plus program-specific trainings.
• Strong knowledge of environmental health principles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with plan review, inspections, and customer service in a public health setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform plan reviews, inspections, education and outreach to enforce regulations.
• Conduct site visits, collect data, and respond to environmental health complaints.
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate complex requirements to the public and regulated facilities.
• Maintain accurate records and input data into databases.
• Mentor staff and support program leadership in daily operations.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or public health

RS/REHS Certification for EHS II

Job description

Are you looking for a place to apply your background in environmental science with your working knowledge of public water and/or onsite sewage systems? The Onsite Sewage/Water Resources program, within the Environmental Health Division, is recruiting to fill 2 Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE) positions. Experience with public water systems, individual well and septic system permitting is desirable.

This position works within the Onsite Sewage and Drinking Water Resources program to perform plan review, inspections, education and outreach, system notifications and customer service work to enforce state and local regulations. Identification of compliance issues may require sampling (air, water, soil, food) and other types of data collection to determine possible violation and enforcement.

Based on our internal compensation review process, the starting hourly wage for this position is $34.41 –$36.84. We make decisions on higher starting salaries based on experience, education, and qualifications.

The full salary range for this position is $34.41- $49.98 per hour. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package that includes insurance (health, dental, vision, life), retirement plan options, generous leave accruals, annual cost of living salary increases, employee programs, and more. Visit our benefits webpage to learn more.

This position is the third and fourth level in the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) series and works under the direction of the EHS supervisor or Program Manager. An employee assigned to this classification works semi-independently with regular consultation from the EHS III, EHS Supervisor, or Program Manager. Assignments are specific in nature with well-defined directives, instructions, and procedures. Work may include mentoring technicians, aides, or other environmental health specialists.

Position Series

• Permit Technician I
• Permit Technician II
• Environmental Health Specialist I/II
• Environmental Health Specialist III
• EHS Supervisor

Career Path Options

Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include:

• Program Manager I
• Program Manager II

Essential Functions

• Customer Service: Provide customer service to the public and industry professionals on environmental health topics, applications, permits, applicable fees, and related codes in person, over the phone, and through written communication.
• Inspections and Regulatory Compliance Assessments: Conduct regular inspections and assessments of permitted facilities, field sites, and regulatory applications (e.g., food establishments, schools, solid waste facilities, land development, plan review) to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Complaints and Public Health Hazards: Identify potential environmental hazards, such as air or water pollution sources and hazardous waste, and investigate complaints related to potential compliance violations. Identification of compliance issues may require sampling (air, water, soil, food) and other types of data collection to determine possible sources of contamination.
• Education and Consultation: Provide educational outreach, consultation, and training to communities, businesses, and individuals on environmental health issues, best practices, regulatory requirements, and safety procedures.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed reports and communication, maintain accurate records of inspections, incidents, and data; potentially provide expert testimony in court related to documentation. Accurately input information and documentation into database systems and maintain detailed records.
• Subject Matter Expert (EHS II): Serve as subject matter expert for program staff, leadership, and general public. Support program lead and supervisor to provide on-the-job training for new Permit Technician I, Permit Technician II, and Environmental Health Specialist I staff.

Examples of Key Duties

The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Identify potential environmental hazards, such as surfacing sewage, air or water pollution sources and hazardous waste, and investigate complaints related to potential compliance violations. Identification of compliance issues may require sampling (air, water, soil, food) and other types of data collection to determine possible sources of contamination
• Provide customer service to the public and industry professionals on environmental health topics, applications, permits, applicable fees, and related codes in person, over the phone, and through written communication.
• Prepare detailed reports and communication, maintain accurate records of inspections, incidents, and data; potentially provide expert testimony in court related to documentation. Accurately input information and documentation into database systems and maintain detailed records.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments of permitted facilities, field sites, and regulatory applications (e.g., food establishments, schools, solid waste facilities, land development, plan review) to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Provides consultation, guidance, and inspections for temporary events.
• Provides technical assistance on health and safety regulations.
• Composes correspondence, including correspondence to businesses, professionals, and county residents.
• Composes effective statistical, narrative, and graphical reports.
• Creates, maintains, and updates files and records.
• Operates various office and field equipment to collect site samples and data.
• Provides educational outreach to the public and other groups including workshops, newsletters, and public events.
• Work cooperatively with program and department staff to cross train, create process workflows and documentation, and use technology to increase program efficiency and standardize processes.
• Responds to inquiries and explains regulatory requirements to consultants, engineers, land use professionals and other agencies.
• Participates in administrative hearings.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

• Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs and databases.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to the body of work.
• Knowledge of environmental health principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of math and science and their application to environmental health principles.
• Skilled in collecting, organizing, analyzing, compiling, recording, and assessing data.
• Skilled in educational outreach.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
  • Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
  • Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
  • Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
  • Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
  • Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one’s own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department’s mission, values, and ethical standards.

The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental science, public health, or other related science field.
• EHS I requires 0 to 2 years of experience in environmental health or public health.

EHS II requires:

• At least 2 years of experience in an EHS I role or equivalent experience credited at hire and Registered Sanitarian (RS)/ Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Certification; or
• 4 years of experience in an EHS I role or equivalent experience credited at hire and completion of required program specific certifications/training (see below).

Program	Required Certification or Training	Estimated Timeframe to Complete
Food and Community Safety	Certified Playground Safety Inspector Certification Program, CPSI | Certification | National Recreation and Park Association OR CPO for Operators - Pool & Hot Tub Alliance OR Certified Food Safety Manager Professional Food Manager Certificate AND FDA- Standardization- Food Safety Inspector- Standardization of Retail Food Safety Inspection Personnel | FDA	Within 2 years of hire Within 1 year of hire Within 1 year of hire Within 3 years of hire
Natural and Built Environment	Asthma Educator Certification OR Healthy Housing Principles Certification | Building Performance Institute, Inc.	Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire
Onsite Sewage and Drinking Water Resources	Washington State License: On-Site Inspector Certificate of Competency	Within 2 years of hire
Waste Management	Institute of Hazardous Materials Management-Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM ®) OR Manager of landfill operation- Solid Waste Association of North America SWANA OR Washington Organic Recycling Council, Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT) OR 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certificate	Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements

We require the following for this classification.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract required prior to employment.
• EHS I: Completion of the required program-specific training within the given timeframe (See Appendix A).
• EHS II: Registered Sanitarian (RS)/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Certification; or 2 additional years of experience in an EHS I role and completion of required program specific certifications/training (See Appendix A).

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both inside and outside environments.
• Inside work exposure hazards are limited to those commonly found in government office environments.
• Potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requires skills in conflict resolution and situational awareness.
• Work may be performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, snow, and rain, leading to exposure to hazards related to heat or cold exposure.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, or waste, which if not handled or disposed of appropriately, could cause significant repercussions to the safety and health of the public.
• Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings, such as landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities and other waste management facilities that may have significant odor, noise, visibility and vector issues.
• Exposure to loud noises from working around equipment or machinery, generally requiring ear protection.
• Additional safety precautions may be required or available for staff use, such as safety glasses, hardhats, or other PPE as appropriate.
• Work may involve inspections after hours and/or on weekends.
• Work is up to 100% in-person.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Climbing up and down stairs, hills, and short stepladders.
• Stooping or bending repeatedly throughout the day while performing skilled and non-skilled work.
• Frequently required to perform work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold.
• Physical agility and stamina to walk up to 1/4 miles at a time up to 3 miles per day across various surfaces including unlevel ground, uneven ground, stairs, mud, slippery floors, and wooded and brushy areas.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication, including communicating with dissatisfied or angry individuals, throughout the duration of a shift.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper and operate a telephone, computer mouse, keyboard, and touch screen tablet.
• Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies and field equipment (listed below).
• Operate a motor vehicle in all lighting conditions and various weather conditions, including rain. Trip durations average 15-45 minutes but may be up to 1.5 hours. Daily drive time may be up to 6 hours total.
• Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.
• Regularly maintain awareness of surroundings to identify and address potential safety issues.
• Regularly work effectively in the presence of visual, auditory, or other distractions.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, tablet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)
• Requires the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including hard hat, protective clothing, high visibility vests, safety glasses, steel toed work boots, gloves, slip-resistant shoes.
• Requires the use of field equipment (stakes, drills, sampling equipment, cameras, test kits, thermometers, etc.)

Travel

• Extensive travel within the county is required. Additional travel may be required infrequently, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, attend, or provide training.
• Driving a vehicle requiring a license.

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