Salary: $58,718.40 – $75,524.80 Annually
Closing: 7/25/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

See full job and application details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tpchd/jobs/3157875/environmental-health-specialist-i-ii

The Environmental Health Division is recruiting for a Regular, full-time, (1.0 FTE) Environmental Health Specialist I/II position.  This position will serve in both a regulatory and non-regulatory role, working  with businesses to ensure proper waste management practices to reduce potential risks to the environment or public health.
 
Some of what you’ll do:
 
  • Inspect, monitor and evaluate facilities for compliance with solid waste handling regulations, infectious waste regulations or the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District. 
  • Provide technical assistance to businesses about solid waste, infectious waste, hazardous waste or other pollution prevention measures.
  • Explain solid and hazardous waste regulatory requirements to business owners, the general public, consultants, engineers, other state and local agencies.
  • Operate field instruments for analysis, field testing and composition of statistical, narrative and graphical reports including laptop or tablet computers with various software packages and field equipment for hazardous materials or chemical analysis.
  • Collect and interpret data from field locations, e.g. landfill gas (methane) and surface or ground water samples.
  • Compose inspection reports, quarterly program reports, annual reports, update guidance documents as needed.
  • Respond to inquiries and complaints as required.
  • Create process workflows, documentation and use technology to increase program efficiencies. 
  • Provide education and outreach to the public and other groups. This may include workshops, newsletters and public events. Some after hour workshops or meetings may be required.        
  • Coordinate with other environmental health programs, local and state agencies as well as private industry.
  • Respond to inquiries and explain regulatory requirements to consultants, engineers, other state and local agencies, land use professionals and the public.      

 
Click here for a detailed Classification Specification.

 

What you bring to the table

Technical skills 

  • Knowledge of environmental health principles and practices, specifically solid or hazardous waste.
  • Knowledge of and the ability to apply math and science applications to environmental health work.
  • Skill in analyzing, compiling, recording and assessing data, i.e., legal proceedings, technical oversight.
  • Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 
  • Communicate complex technical information using understandable messages and talking points for technical and nontechnical audiences.
  • Ability to provide technical expertise to staff through coaching, mentoring and training.

 
Interpersonal workstyle and soft skills 

  • Skill in planning and organizing work activities to meet established objectives. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 
  • Takes responsibility for outcomes of assigned tasks. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Understands and can identify the dynamics of conflict.
  • Communicates effectively in a sometimes-stressful environment. 
  • Communicates verbally and in writing effectively, clearly and concisely with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity. 
  • Demonstrates ability to work with diverse viewpoints and contribute to the outcome of common goals.
  • Participates productively as a team member.  
  • Displays high standards of conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on organization, self and others. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of clients, community-based agencies and departmental personnel.

 
Important Things to know about this role:(daily tasks- what job will do)  

  • Inspect, monitor and evaluate facilities for compliance with solid waste handling regulations or infectious waste regulations.         
  • Explain solid waste regulatory requirements to consultants, other state and local agencies, land use professionals and the general public.
  • Compose reports and public messaging using department communication standards.
  • Collect and interpret data from field locations, e.g. landfill gas (methane) and surface or ground water samples using field equipment.

 

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.
 

  • The Environmental Health Specialist I requires zero to two years experience.
  • The Environmental Health Specialist II requires a minimum of two years experience in an EHS I position or equivalent at time of hire and possession of a current Certificate of Registration as a Sanitarian (RS) or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is required within six months of hire.

*Candidates that meet qualifications for EHS II Salary range is $29.63 – $38.15/hourly *
 

  • 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 the Solid Waste Program will require possession of a current landfill inspector certification (MOLO) within 12 months of hire. Successful candidate will be sent to the training course.

Desired:

  • 40 hour HAZWOPER & Annual 8-Hr Refreshers
  • Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

 

Work Setting: 

  • Control over environmental conditions (inside vs. outside exposed to rain, snow, wind, heat, and humidity) can be exercised by employee dependent upon the location of the position.
  • Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, or waste which if not handled or disposed of appropriately could cause significant repercussions to the safety and health of the public.
  • Your office will be set up to provide personal safety, including social distancing, screening, sanitation, disinfection, and masks.

Physical Demands: 

  • Sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, carrying 20-40 lbs, ability to communicate effectively.

Tools and Equipment:

  • Computer, telephone, vehicle, sampling equipment.

Travel:

  • Often within the county, some travel for training may be required.

 Emergencies

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.