Environmental Health Specialist I/II

Job Summary

• Septic: Conduct field evaluation for soil and site characteristics and office reviews for plans/proposals for new on-site sewage system (OSS) proposals, repairs of existing OSS, the modification of existing residences that may or may not affect the OSS.
• Water: Monitor, evaluate and provide oversight for the management and operation of 1,450 Group B and 400 Group A public water systems in Pierce County for compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Use databases to review and track status on applications and other electronic tools like GIS to evaluate and track water quality and water system information.
• Use effective verbal and written communication with professionals and the public.
• Enforce state and local drinking water and septic regulations.
• Conduct field visits and office reviews to address complaints, septic system issues, water quality concerns and provide technical guidance.
• Review permit applications to ensure drinking water system and septic system adequacy.
• Provide education and outreach to professionals, the public and others.
• Participate and help plan workshops or meetings, some may happen after normal business hours.
• Respond to email and phone inquiries, complaints.
• Work with industry professionals and coordinate with internal Health Department programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of onsite sewage systems, site and soil evaluation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of drinking water systems and well construction.
• Inspect well construction and decommissioning for Department of Ecology.
• Provide oversight and technical assistance for professionals.
• Prepare physical records for digital storage/archival.
• Provide customer service at front counter for technical questions.

What you bring to the table

• Knowledge of environmental health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply math and science applications to environmental health work.
• Skill in analyzing, compiling, recording, and assessing data.
• Skill in planning and organizing work activities to meet established objectives.
• Skill in communicating effectively within a sometimes stressful environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Computer literacy. GIS preferred, database management, network experience
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.

Who should apply

A Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science with a minimum of 45 credit hours or 30 semester hours in the basic natural or physical sciences; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Sanitarian within one year of appointment is highly desirable.

Equivalencies Include:

• Masters degree with a minimum of 45 credit hours or 30 semester hours in the basic natural or physical sciences and one year of relevant experience.
• Associates degree with a minimum of 45 credit hours or 30 semester hours in the basic natural or physical sciences and two years of relevant experience.
• Combination of education and experience equivalent to 45 quarter or 30 semester hours in the basic, natural, and physical sciences 4 full-time years of experience.
  

• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driver's abstract is required prior to employment.
• Positions assigned to On-site Sewage System Design and Inspection requires the possession of a current State of Washington Wastewater Treatment System Inspector license within in two years of hire.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Setting

• Work will mostly be conducted in an office setting with some field work required.
• When in the office, your office will be set up to provide personal safety, including social distancing, screening, sanitation, disinfection, and masks.

• Sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting and carrying 20-40 lbs.

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)
• Water sampling equipment

• Travel within the county, some travel for training may be required.