What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health Specialist I/II position at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department?
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 Classification Specification.
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.
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
- 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 be conducted in an office setting with some field work required.
- 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.)
- Travel within the county, some travel for training may be required.
Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.
