Environmental Public Health Specialist III - Lead (Ehs)

General Position Summary:

This position oversees the activities, programs, projects, and personnel in the Environmental Health Services (EHS) Section in the Health Department. This includes overseeing program deliverables, ensuring objectives and goals are met in various programs.  Assists with developing and implementing policies and procedures for the EHS section to ensure efficient program administration and enforcement, following applicable legal guidelines and mandates. Performs site inspections and enforces local, State, and Federal environmental health standards and regulations for the various programs. This position advises business and establishment owners and managers, public officials, and citizens on matters of environmental health regulations, standards and methods as well as developing and maintaining relationships in the community to gain understanding of public and environmental health goals through education and enforcement.  Conducts the more difficult or sensitive inspections of local establishments to ensure public health and environmental safety in accordance with RCWs, WACs and local ordinances.  Recommends methods to address and improve deficiencies and violations. Oversees issuance of permits and enforcement actions.

Position open until filled.

The 2024 salary for Environmental Public Health Specialists III - LEAD (EHS) is currently on a seven (7) step progression schedule. The starting salary ($6,152/mo.) may be negotiable with documented experience and/or certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the various environmental health programs delivered within the EHS section of the Health Department.

• Develop and implement community education and training programs to address local needs and new developments.

• Regularly evaluate and monitor program effectiveness, changes in statues and regulations, and adjust programs accordingly.

• Coordinate daily activities and monitor performance of EHS section staff. Manage and encourage employee development through training and education.  Ensure that staff have the tools and resources to attain the goals of the programs and perform their duties.

• Collaborate with the Environmental Health Manager to review and implement environmental health program policies and procedures, special investigations, fees, community education programs, revenues and expenditures, and strategic planning.  Provide status reports to the Environmental Health Manager, as requested.

• Provide professional technical support to the community regarding environmental health issues. Collaborate with the Environmental Health Manager, local public, and private agencies to address community problems or emergencies by providing adequate and timely public health analysis and options.   Maintain effective communication lines and relations with local industry, businesses, and local governments.

• Collaborates with other EHS section staff and the Environmental Health Manager as needed in office conferences as a part of the enforcement process.

• Conduct inspections and investigations.  Grant or deny permits or fitness of sites, in accordance with applicable criteria.  Initiate appropriate legal action as needed.  Consult with other departments and agencies on special cases or refer public to other agencies as needed.  Assist and guide staff with complicated matters by discussing and analyzing plans of action.

• Testify in administrative hearings or in courts of law regarding investigations conducted.

• Maintain effective working relationships with state, federal, and county counterparts.

•   Prepare written and oral reports in a format and degree of detail necessary for the particular situation.

• Prepare and deliver public presentations and classes.

• Conduct and participate in staff meetings.  Provide work guidance and plans of action.   Promote staff involvement in the improvement of work processes and general operation, performance and services provided by the department.

• Attend training and keep current on ordinance, code, and legal changes pertaining to the field and related subjects.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Environmental Health Manager, Director, or designee.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental or health science or closely related field applicable to this position.

• Five (5) years work experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in a public agency, which must include supervisory or lead experience.

• Possess and maintain certification as a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Washington or certifications as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist through the National Environmental Health Association.

• A master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, microbiology, health science, chemistry, physics, biology, zoology, oceanography, environmental health policy, or related science-based field may be substituted for required experience and certification.

• Proficient in the operation of a computer and commonly used business word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services.    Professionally handle the public's complaints and concerns.

• Develop and maintain good working relations with own dept. staff, other county employees, other public and private agencies.

• Ability to provide technical information and recommendations to assist the public to comply with regulations in a manner that develops positive relations.

• The knowledge of public health practice to effectively explain the purpose and the process of inspections, including consequences of re-occurrence or non-compliance.

• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, in a professional business-like manner.  Experienced at preparing thorough, organized, and clearly presented technical reports.

• Work well as a team member in a multi-task work environment.   Complete tasks within deadlines.

• Possess a good general understanding of the regulations and ordinances that relate to this field and be able to interpret and apply them.

• Possess knowledge and skills in the practice of government planning and program administration.

• Ability to effectively relay instructions and explanations and provide training and constructive feedback to enhance staff performance.

• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.