Environmental Health Specialist I/II

Salary : $68,265.60 - $87,817.60 Annually

Location : Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA

Job Type : Regular

Job Number : 24-00048

Division : Environmental Health

Program : EH - On-Site Sewage / Water Resources

Opening Date : 02 / 14 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 2 / 2025 12 : 00 AM Pacific

Job Summary

Are you looking for a place to apply your background in environmental science with your working knowledge of public water systems? The Onsite Sewage and Drinking Water Resources program, within the Environmental Health Division, is recruiting to fill a Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE) position. Experience with public water systems, individual well and septic system permitting is desirable.

Some of what you'll do :

• 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 applications and track status 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 the industry 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.

Click here for a detailed

What you bring to the table

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 :

Distinguishing Characteristics :

Incumbent will be considered and EHS II after they have completed two (2) years' experience in an EHS I position (or equivalent experience credited at time of hire); and presented to Human Resources proof that they have obtained their Certificate of Registration as a Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS).

Required

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Setting

Physical Demands

Tools and Equipment (Provided by the Health Department)

Travel

When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned duties that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.

for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.

Benefits

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary : Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance : The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.

Life Insurance : The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD) : The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement : Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include : Generous paid vacation

Living in Tacoma-Pierce County :

Please Note :

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our civil rights coordinator Darlene Mendoza, MJR, Office of Human Resources / Risk Management at or (253) 649-1660.

This position requires a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science with a minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester hours in the basic, natural, and physical sciences; or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Please indicate which of the following describes how you meet this requirement :

Please list your science credits. Be sure to include the course name, number of credits earned, and whether they are quarter or semester hours.

Do you have 3 or more months of work experience, including internships, conducting inspections for compliance with health and safety regulations in any of the following areas :

Please describe your experience with water quality, wells and / or water systems. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n / a.

Please describe your experience with septic systems, soil evaluation and design review. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n / a.

This job will require interaction with individuals who are of diverse cultural backgrounds. Describe your experience working with individuals who are of diverse cultural backgrounds. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n / a.

Do you have a current State of Washington Wastewater Treatment System Inspector license?

Do you have a current Washington State Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification?

This position requires proof of a valid driver's license and acceptable driver's abstract prior to employment. Can you meet this requirement?

Required Question

Salary : $68,266 - $87,818