Infection Preventionist

PeaceHealth; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 66,841 - 100,261; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental, and vision coverage

403(b) with employer contributions and match

Generous PTO and paid leave

Tuition and continuing education support

Mental health and wellness programs

Job summary

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, WA is seeking a full-time Infection Prevention Specialist. You will lead infection prevention efforts by partnering with clinical teams, guiding practices, and implementing effective strategies in real-time. This role offers autonomy and immediate influence within a supportive healthcare environment.

Ideal candidates will have a degree in public health or related field, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. Join us for a rewarding career in a beautiful location with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in infection prevention, public health, clinical care, lab, or related setting.
• Working knowledge of infection prevention practices and epidemiology.

Responsibilities

• Round with clinical teams to prevent infections.
• Identify hospital-acquired infections through surveillance.
• Lead outbreak response and implement containment plans.
• Educate caregivers with practical guidance.
• Collaborate with public health on disease planning.

Skills

Communication

Infection prevention practices

Epidemiology

Adult learning

Education

Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Medical Technology or related field

Job description

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center – Bellingham, WA

Full-Time (1.00 FTE) | Day Shift

Pay Range: $48.52 – $72.78 per hour

Why Us

• You’ll lead infection prevention where it matters most: at the bedside, in real-time decisions, during outbreaks, and across a growing regional system.
• You’ll be fully embedded on-site: partnering face-to-face with clinical teams and making real-time impact where care happens.
• You’ll have true autonomy: trusted to assess risk, guide clinical teams, and implement change without layers of red tape.
• You’ll step into influence immediately: partner with leaders, physicians, and public health to shape prevention strategy system-wide.
• You’ll grow your expertise in a forward-thinking program: strong support for CIC certification, MPH-level work, and advanced epidemiology practice.
• You’ll live where others vacation: mountain views, ocean air, and a healthcare role that still leaves room for a full life outside of work.

What You’ll Do

• Round with clinical teams and observe care in real time to prevent infections before they happen.
• Identify hospital-acquired infections and communicable diseases through active surveillance.
• Analyze infection trends and turn data into clear, actionable changes.
• Educate caregivers in the moment—simple, practical guidance they can use right away.
• Lead outbreak response and quickly put containment plans into action.
• Partner with nursing, providers, and leadership to improve infection prevention practices.
• Review and update infection control policies so they reflect current standards and real workflows.
• Guide safe practices for cleaning, disinfection, isolation, and device use.
• Support construction and renovation projects to ensure safe environments (ICRA).
• Collaborate with public health on communicable disease planning and response.
• Help protect caregivers through exposure follow-up, vaccine clinics, and safety programs.
• Step into on-call support when needed to manage urgent infection risks.

What You Bring

• A degree in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Medical Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 3 years of experience in infection prevention, public health, clinical care, lab, or related setting.
• Working knowledge of infection prevention practices, epidemiology, and adult learning.
• Ability to communicate clearly, influence others, and act decisively in high-risk situations.

Nice to Have (Fast-Track Candidates)

If you already hold CIC or a-IPC certification, have experience in a hospital or public health infection setting, or bring an MPH, we’ll prioritize your application for immediate review.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) with employer contributions and match.
• Generous PTO and paid leave.
• Tuition and continuing education support.
• Mental health and wellness programs.
• A culture that prioritizes your whole well-being—at work and at home.

PeaceHealth is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer.