Senior Environmental Health Specialist

Thurston County•Olympia, WA

1d•$6,898 - $9,175•Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is hiring a Senior Environmental Health Specialist to supervise the Onsite Sewage System Operation & Maintenance Program in the Environmental Health Division. The program works to prevent surface- and groundwater pollution caused by failing or inadequately maintained onsite sewage systems. It collects, interprets, and analyzes environmental health data; protects public health and water resources; ensures compliance with applicable standards and regulations; and oversees the certification and conduct of onsite sewage system professionals, including pumpers and certified maintenance specialists. The position supervises five staff and manages program activities, employees, budgets, grants, contracts, and interlocal agreements. It is based in an office in Olympia and in field locations throughout Thurston County. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with possible alternative or compressed schedules and the option to request up to one day per week of remote work. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and field inspections. The role may also require a 24/7 response during public health emergencies and disease outbreak investigations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in environmental health, biology, bacteriology, or a related field; additional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Three years of professional environmental health experience requiring extensive public contact, including one year at the Environmental Health Specialist II level or equivalent, and specialization in one or more environmental health disciplines.
Current Washington State driver's license, or an appropriate accommodation that has been requested and obtained.
Recognition by the Washington State Sanitarian Registration Board as a Registered Sanitarian within 18 months of hire.
Ability to use a personal computer and related software for word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of environmental health science, biology, epidemiology, hydrology, and soil science.
Knowledge and experience with state and local onsite sewage system regulations, standards, and technology.
Knowledge of permit and data systems.
Ability to compile and maintain complete and accurate records.
Ability to interpret and enforce complex regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written presentations.
Experience with sanitary survey methods, water-quality monitoring techniques, data analysis, and data presentation.
Knowledge of education, outreach, and social marketing or communication strategies.
Knowledge of designing and conducting water-quality investigations and studies.
Sound judgment and sensitivity when interacting with the public while educating and promoting good public relations.
Ability to foster a respectful, supportive environment where employees and partners can express concerns and learn from mistakes.
Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and with people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organization while maintaining a positive work environment.
Ability to serve the public in a timely, complete, accurate, and professional manner and communicate clearly.
Cultural competency to support diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating community health policies, programs, and services.
Strong oral communication skills for networking and interpersonal relationships.
Excellent written communication skills, including preparing correspondence, reports, articles, or web postings with minimal grammatical and syntax errors.
Ability to supervise, motivate, and develop employees and teams; encourage critical reflection; give direction constructively; and support employee growth.
Fairness and impartiality in employee interactions, attention to employee welfare, and responsiveness to staff input, suggestions, and complaints.
Strategic thinking and planning for goal setting and evaluation.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage competing priorities under pressure.
Ability to model confidentiality, professional values, ethics, honesty, and integrity.
Flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and commitment.
Ability to delegate and use persuasion and negotiation to build shared responsibility and acceptance of change.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement water-quality and septic-system operation and maintenance projects and programs, including public education, groundwater and surface-water monitoring, pollution investigations, oversight of onsite sewage system professionals, implementation of the County onsite sewage system management plan, and regulatory compliance.
Issue, withhold, or withdraw licenses and permits.
Review and report environmental data, program effectiveness, and project results.
Develop recommendations for policymakers and department managers.
Write department policies and procedures for assigned programs.
Coordinate program activities with other department programs, agencies, and jurisdictions.
Manage and direct assigned employees' work and provide guidance and training.
Recommend employee selections, monitor employee progress, and evaluate performance.
Develop and manage the section's annual budget.
Prepare grant project proposals that support the department's mission.
Manage grant projects, contracts, and interlocal agreements with partner agencies.
Represent the department on regional and multi-agency work groups addressing water-resource and sewage-management issues.
Perform other assigned work, including 24/7 response during public health emergencies and disease outbreak investigations, and participate in relevant emergency preparedness training and exercises.

Benefits

Retirement plan.
Pre-tax savings accounts.
Comprehensive health care and dental and vision care for employees and their families.
Paid vacation for full-time regular employees.
Paid holidays.
County-paid training and opportunities to participate in professional organizations and conferences.
Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and possible remote work.
Three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
Flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax dollars.
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying full-time public service employees.