Environmental Health Supervisor

Whatcom County; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual pay increases

Job summary

Whatcom County Health and Community Services seeks an experienced Environmental Health Supervisor to lead critical Food Safety and Environmental Health programs. You will guide a team of Environmental Health Specialists, advise leadership on EH policy, and build strong partnerships with county departments, local businesses, and community groups to protect public health.

The role emphasizes equitable leadership, staff development, and collaboration with agencies to address emerging public health

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or related sciences with required physics/chemistry hours.
• 4 years EH work experience in the last 8 years with at least 2 years in project leadership.
• Registration as a Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist with WA Board or NEHA with required program certs.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to cross US-Canada border and pass background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of Environmental Health Specialists with equitable leadership.
• Advise leadership on EH policy, programs, and operations.
• Build partnerships with County departments, local businesses, and community groups.
• Coach staff through performance reviews and professional development.
• Oversee inspections, investigations, and health risk assessments.
• Serve as a technical resource for staff and community partners.
• Develop programs and policies to advance public health and respond to needs.
• Communicate health information through reports and outreach.

Skills

Team leadership

Public health knowledge

Policy advisement

Communication

Partnership building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health or related sciences

Washington State Sanitarian registration / NEHA certification

Job description

Environmental Health Supervisor

Whatcom County Health and Community Services

Make a difference where you live, work, and play.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is looking for an experienced and collaborative Environmental Health Supervisor to join our team and lead critical Food Safety and Environmental Health programs.

This is an opportunity to bring your environmental health expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to public service to a role that directly impacts the health and well-being of our community. You’ll work alongside dedicated Environmental Health Specialists and community partners to protect public health, support local businesses, respond to emerging challenges, and help shape the future of environmental health services in Whatcom County.

As a member of the Department and Division leadership teams, you’ll have a voice in policy, program development, operations, and strategic direction—while supporting a team of professionals who are passionate about serving our community.

What you'll do:

• Lead and inspire a team of Environmental Health Specialists through compassionate, transparent, and equitable leadership.
• Advise Department and Division leadership on environmental health policy, programs, operations, and emerging public health issues.
• Build strong partnerships with County departments, local businesses, community organizations, other agencies, and the public.
• Coach and develop staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing feedback, conducting performance evaluations, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversee and participate in inspections and investigations, including code enforcement, epidemiological investigations, and health risk assessments.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for staff, businesses, partner agencies, and community members.
• Develop and improve programs, policies, codes, and procedures that advance public health and respond to community needs.
• Communicate important public health information through reports, presentations, health advisories, and outreach to agencies, boards, and the community.
• Collaborate with legal and other professional resources when needed to address complex public health issues.

Hours of Work

Typically Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. Flexible scheduling is available by mutual agreement between the Division Manager and the Supervisor.

What we're looking for:

We're seeking a thoughtful, experienced environmental health professional who is ready to take the next step in their leadership career. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in developing people and programs.

Why this opportunity?

This position offers more than the opportunity to supervise a team.

It's a chance to help shape how environmental health serves Whatcom County for years to come.

You’ll join a team that values collaboration, equity, professional growth, and meaningful public service—and you'll have the opportunity to bring your ideas and experience to emerging environmental health challenges.

If you're an experienced environmental health professional who enjoys developing people, building partnerships, solving complex problems, and making a tangible difference in the community, we invite you to apply.

Salary Range:

• PROTECT17 - Range 51A$42.83 - $57.72 per hour

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annualpay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Supervisor: Environmental Health Manager For more information please see the job description.

Please see the role clarity worksheet for additional information: Role Clarity Worksheet.EHS

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health OR a Bachelor’s degree in one of the basic sciences including a minimum of 45 quarter hours (30 semester hours) in physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, microbiology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and college-level algebra or higher mathematics
• 4years of environmental health work experience within the last eight years, including a minimum of 2 years of increasingly responsible project lead experience in one or more areas of environmental health.
• Registration as a Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians or the National Environmental Health Association along with specific program certification as required by the State of Washington;
• A driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire and throughout employment;
• Must be eligible to cross between the United States and Canada;
• Successful completion of a background check meeting County criteria

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future. Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!