Shellfish Environmental Sampling Assistant (ES1) DOH9023

Washington State Department of Health; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health is seeking an Environmental Specialist 1 for the Marine Biotoxin Program in Tumwater. This in-person role involves field sampling along Western Washington, sample handling, and coordination with partners.

The position supports shellfish safety by monitoring biotoxins, closing harvesting areas when necessary, and coordinating with laboratory staff. Expect seasonal shifts, with summer months requiring full-time hours and other seasons at ~50% time, as

Qualifications

• Two years of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field.
• 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of relevant coursework in environmental sciences plus one year of field sampling experience.

Responsibilities

• Environmental Sampling: Plan and schedule fieldwork, collect shellfish and phytoplankton samples across Western Washington, record environmental measurements (temperature, salinity).
• Sample Handling and QA: Prepare and transport samples for lab testing; perform QC checks on results.
• Supply and Inventory: Maintain sampling supplies, coordinate inventory needs, assemble and deliver sampling kits to partners.
• Partner and Public Engagement: Interact professionally with shellfish industry, partners, and the public during sampling and outreach events.
• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Skills

Environmental sampling

Fieldwork coordination

Data collection

Quality assurance

Public engagement

Emergency response

Education

60 Semester hours in environmental science

90 Quarter hours in environmental science

Tools

Maps and tide charts

Job description

Description

Environmental Specialist 1 (ES 1)

Environmental Public Health – Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Marine Biotoxin Program

This is an in‑person position located at our DOH facility in Tumwater, WA. Fieldwork throughout Western Washington is required and is expected to comprise approximately 80% of work time.

Due to the seasonal nature of the work, the position is expected to be part-time (approximately 50%) during the fall, winter, and spring, with hours increasing to full-time (100%) during the summer months.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) supports this mission by reducing and preventing human exposure to environmental hazards and disease‑causing pathogens associated with wastewater, food safety, schools, and recreational areas.

This Environmental Specialist 1 position supports the Marine Biotoxin Program by conducting environmental sampling to monitor marine biotoxins in shellfish and surrounding waters. This preventative work helps the program identify potential health risks and close shellfish harvesting areas when necessary to protect the public from illness. The position involves fieldwork at docks and intertidal beaches throughout Western Washington, sample preparation and transport, data collection, and coordination with program staff, laboratory personnel, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Environmental Sampling: Plan and schedule fieldwork, collect shellfish and phytoplankton samples throughout Western Washington, and record environmental measurements, including temperature and salinity.
• Sample Handling and Quality Assurance: Prepare and transport samples for laboratory testing and conduct quality control and quality assurance of sample results.
• Supply and Inventory Management: Maintain sampling supplies, coordinate inventory needs, and assemble and deliver sampling kits to program partners.
• Partner and Public Engagement: Communicate professionally with shellfish industry members, program partners, and the public during sampling activities, outreach events, and conferences.
• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to public health protection through hands‑on environmental monitoring and fieldwork. Working alongside a collaborative team and program partners, the position helps identify potential marine biotoxin risks and supports timely decisions that protect Washington’s shellfish consumers. The role is well suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, balancing independent field responsibilities with team coordination, and contributing to meaningful environmental health work across Western Washington.

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.

Option 1: Two (2) years of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol.

Option 2: 60 Semester or 90 Quarter hours of relevant coursework in environmental science, biology, marine biology, natural resources, public health, chemistry, or related sciences at an accredited university or college. AND One (1) year of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in tidal, intertidal, or other marine or coastal environments.
• Experience working with shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams, etc.) such as harvesting, handling, or sampling.
• Experience using maps, tide charts, and weather data to plan field work
• Experience working with industry, Tribal, or community partners to conduct outreach.
• Experience reviewing, verifying, or entering sampling or laboratory data, including quality control checks.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, communicate professionally with external partners, and independently organize work to meet program goals and timelines.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including accurate data entry, recordkeeping, inventory management, and completion of required reports and paperwork.

Employee Benefits

We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, and work‑life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us 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: The position works in an office environment or teleworks at a computer workstation for extended periods and operates in a frequently time‑sensitive environment with competing assignments, deadlines, and occasional emergency response demands. The duty station is Tumwater, WA, with telework expected for most work activities; in‑person attendance at DOH offices and engagements throughout the state may be required. Fieldwork includes outdoor sampling at docks, beaches, and shoreline sites throughout Western Washington in varying weather conditions. The position may involve working on or near water and navigating wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky terrain while wearing required protective gear. Duties also include handling live shellfish, seawater, and plankton samples, with potential exposure to marine biotoxins and other biological hazards, requiring adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment.

Schedule: The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one‑hour lunch break. A flexible schedule may be considered upon request and with supervisor approval following an initial review period. Work may occasionally exceed 40 hours per week and include evenings, weekends, or holidays to meet program needs, reporting deadlines, and sampling schedules determined by tides.

Travel Requirements: The position requires statewide travel to perform essential job functions, which may include overnight or multiple‑night stays. The incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or arrange alternative transportation and travel long distances during daylight or nighttime hours and in varying weather conditions, including rain and snow.

Tools and Equipment: The position uses a laptop computer with Microsoft Office and other necessary software, a cell phone, standard office technology, and environmental sampling equipment.

Customer Interactions: The position regularly interacts with internal agency staff, community‑based organizations, Tribal partners, and members of the public in support of sampling activities, program coordination, and outreach.

Physical Demands: The position requires lifting and carrying sampling equipment, coolers, supply kits, and shellfish cages weighing up to 50 pounds across uneven terrain and along docks. Duties frequently involve bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting while retrieving cages and collecting samples. The position also requires walking long distances and standing for extended periods on uneven, wet, or sandy terrain, as well as driving for extended periods to transport samples, including at night and in poor weather conditions.

Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. 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

We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD‑214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

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 do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Questions and Accommodations

If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at [e-mail] and reference DOH9023.

Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.