Health and Environmental Investigator III
- Summary
- Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking to fill a full-time career services position for an Environmental Health Investigator III (HEI-III). The HEI III will operate within the On-site Sewage System Permitting Program and provides education, inspection and compliance, technical assistance, program process documentation, and regulatory compliance advice to the on-site sewage industry, the real estate industry, the public and the media, and translate technical and regulatory information to a variety of audiences. By performing this work, the HEI-III will enable property owners and businesses to protect public health and comply with the codes of the King County Board of Health. Additionally, the HEI-III will implement program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION:
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender or economic status. The Division's core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve.
To learn more about EHS, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/environmental-health.aspx.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The HEI III will operate within the On-site Sewage Systems Permitting Program and provides education, inspection and compliance, technical assistance, program process documentation, and regulatory compliance advice to the on-site sewage industry, the real estate industry, the public and the media, and translate technical and regulatory information to a variety of audiences. This work is completed using digital technologies including Envision, Bluebeam, and OnlineRME.
The HEI III enables property owners and businesses to protect public health and comply with the Codes of the King County Board of Health by certifying professionals in the on-site sewage industry, conducting reviews of inspection reports submitted by the on-site sewage industry and conducting investigations in King County. Additionally, the HE&I III implements program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan. People with language proficiency in the most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Amharic, Russian) are highly encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will be committed to working with diverse populations throughout King County to provide excellent customer service to a broad range of cultures, in accordance with the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan. This position advances Environmental Health Services Division's values for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.
KEY EXPECTATION AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION:- Provide culturally competent and supportive education and technical assistance to industries, facilities, and the public.
- Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences.
- Partner with other Environmental Health Division programs and staff to engage communities and provide outreach materials that encourage long-term behavioral change.
- Conduct OSS inspections to ensure compliance with current public health and environmental codes, regulations, and policies.
- Technical expert implementing digital technologies.
- Determine if regulatory violations have occurred, document violations, and establish schedule for corrections; and make recommendations for follow-up to senior investigators based upon investigation findings.
- Perform investigations and coordinate activities with senior level investigators to initiate enforcement or corrective actions as required.
- Respond to public complaints and inquiries on environmental health matters.
- Maintain and use program based computerized systems, write and review reports, and maintain accurate records.
- Present basic environmental health program information at meetings and public forums.
- Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:- Knowledge of environmental sciences and environmental engineering principles.
- Knowledge of environmental protection programs, laws, regulations and policy processes.
- Knowledge of data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques.
- Skill in synthesizing a variety of information and in assessing organizational and political impact.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam (or similar sfotware such as CAD), Envision ( or similar permitting database), Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ability to master Envision database and performance management systems.
- Ability to assess and resolve situations using a flexible approach.
- Demonstrated knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct complex environmental health investigations using established regulations, codes, and practices; to research, monitor, and apply federal, state and local laws, policies, and environmental protection under adverse weather and site conditions.
- Exposure to individuals from the public who are upset, angry, agitated and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and coping skills.
- Frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and to maintain professional composure and tact, patience and courtesy at all times.
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively in stressful situations.
- Must have strong skills with databases, Bluebeam, and online permit processing.
Desired Qualifications- Demonstrated experience successfully serving broadly diverse populations.
- Demonstrated experience investigating failing OSS and permitting repairs and new system designs.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing web portals, geographic information systems, or other software solutions for managing large quantities of data.
- Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing or reviewing inspection reports.
- Demonstrated experience and skill in utilizing concepts of behavioral change to engage communities with successful outcomes.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health equivalent.
- Bilingual in one of the following most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Amharic).
- Registered Sanitarian certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS) within six months of hire.
- Washington State On-site Sewage System Designer License or Investigator Certification per Chapter 196-32 WAC within 24 months of hire date.
- Valid Washington State driver's license.
1. The REHS/RS exam is offered annually at the NEHA Annual Education Conference (AEC) & Exhibition.
2. State Affiliate and Regional Meeting periodically offer the REHS/RS exam at their meeting/conferences. An up to date listing of these meeting/conference offerings can be found at the NEHA website:
http://www.neha.org/pdf/cred/State_Affiliate_and%20_Regional_Meeting_Test_Dates.pdf
3. Candidates can choose to take the exam on computer through Pearson VUE. By choosing this option candidates can schedule the examination at their convenience at one of Pearson VUE's testing locations nationwide. To find a Pearson VUE testing center near you please visit: http://pearsonvue.com/neha. Taking the exam at Pearson VUE not only offers the candidate flexibility in scheduling the exam, but also allows the candidate to receive his/her unofficial scores immediately following the conclusion of the exam.
WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all applicants.LOCATION: Bellevue/Eastside 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue WA 98007. Work duties may require occasional work at the King County Chinook Building (401 5th Ave, Seattle WA 98104) and/or King County Department of Local Services – Permits office (35030 SE Douglas St, Ste 210, Snoqualmie WA 98065).
WORK SCHEDULE: This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. The normal workweek is Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
CONTACT: If you have questions, please contact Nic Horea, Senior Human Resource Analyst at nicolae.horea@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8736.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
1. NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
2. Responses to the supplemental questions.
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
4. A cover letter that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:- The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring
- Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office 365) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
- This position may require the ability to use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) based on situational need.
- This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include walking uneven terrain, working around heavy machinery, strong odors, and various types of wastes.
- Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
- The selected candidate is required to take a pre-employment physical.
- The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically-disqualifying.
- Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required trainings on time.
- Work is performed both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety of weather conditions.
- Requires the ability to communicate with others orally- face to face and by telephone.
- Duties require the incumbent to occasionally access or travel to a project work site by an ocean vessel (Vashon Island and other King County regulated areas).
- Duties require carrying an employer-provided cell phone or other electronic devices.
- The nature of the work also requires occasionally working in environments which may include exposure to toxic or hazardous gasses, chemicals, or bio-substances and wearing protective clothing or apparatus.
This position is represented by PROTEC Local 17 Union.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
-
01Can you provide proof that you possess a current, valid, WA State Driver License or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position?
- Yes
- No
02Are you:- Currently certified as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) by the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians, OR
- Currently certified as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the National Environmental Health Association, OR
- None of the above
03If you answered "none of the above" for question # 2, can you provide proof that you have confirmed with WSBRS or NEHA that you possess the necessary qualifications to be administered the RS exam and are you able to obtain one of the certification listed above within 6 months of hire? If you answered that you possess one of the certifications listed above, check N/A- Yes
- No
- N/A
04Do you have knowledge of federal, state, and local industry codes, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental health and protection?- Yes
- No
05If you answered "yes" to the question above, please describe your experience and education that supports this answer. Be specific and include the employer(s) and position(s) held where you gained this experience and the academic facility where you obtained your education. Your application materials must show evidence of this experience and education. If you answered no, put N/A.?06Can you provide proof that you possess a current Washington State On-site Sewage System Designer License, or do you hold an Investigator Certification per Chapter 196-32 WAC?- Yes
- No
07If you answered "No" to the question above, are you able to obtain one of the certification listed above within 24 months of hire?- Yes
- No
08Are you Bilingual in one of the following most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Amharic).- Yes
- No
09If you answered "yes" to the question above, please specify language and dialect if applicable. If you answered "no" put N/A.10How would you rate your level of experience with Bluebeam or smilar software applications ?- No experience
- Proficient
- Master
Required Question