Salary: $58,718.40 – $75,524.80 Annually
Closing: 7/4/2021 11:59 PM Pacific
 
 
 

 

Job Summary

Are you looking for a place to apply your background in environmental science with your working knowledge of on-site sewage and wells?  The On-site Sewage and Well Permitting Program, within the Environmental Health Division, is recruiting to fill a Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE ) position. Experience with on-site sewage, septic system operation and maintenance, and well siting and construction are desirable. Work may be performed at Pierce County Development Center, Key Peninsula satellite office and the Health Department on a rotating basis.

Some of what you’ll do: 
  • Review and inspection of all types of septic system proposal applications submitted to the Health Department and Pierce County Planning and Public Works.
  • Review, interpret code, and follow-up of septic system inspections to ensure that septic systems in Pierce County are operating properly  including Reports of System Status (RSS) inspections.
  • Efficient data entry into Envision Connect, PALS+, and other databases.  Review files electronically using Bluebeam.
  • Use reports and other tools for applicant notification and workload management.
  • Assist customers at the front counter and lobby of the Heath Department, Key Peninsula Satellite office or the Pierce County Planning and Public Works (PPW) Center.  Conduct or attend online meetings using Microsoft Teams or other software.
  • Review of public water availability letters for accuracy and validity.  Become familiar of the requirements of various types of public water systems.
  • Review of applications for individual wells to include well siting, construction and final approval.
  • Use local and state codes and recommended standards and guidance to determine if submitted proposals meet requirements.
  • Support the vision, mission, and values of the Health Department.
  • The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
  • Flexibility to adjust work hours to accommodate extended office hours on Thursdays. 
  • May work remotely as necessary.
 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.
  • Knowledge of code requirements and work flow for the program.
  • Skill in using Envision connect to process applications.
  • Ability to use onlineRME to look up reports, process fee waivers and unlocks.

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 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 is conducted outdoors with routine exposure to regular climatic changes, which may involve, heat, humidity, snow and rain.
  • The potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requiring skills in de-escalation and conflict resolution.
  • 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.
  • Exposure to loud noises from working around well drilling equipment or machinery, generally requiring ear protection.
  • When required to be in the office, your office will be set up to provide personal safety, including social distancing, screening, sanitation, disinfection, and masks.

Physical Demands

  • Strength enough to lift, push, or pull field equipment weighing between 20-40 pounds.
  • Physical agility is required due to the rigorous nature of some of the fieldwork, i.e., walking continuously throughout the day on uneven ground and through wooded and brushy areas; climbing up and down stairs and hills; and crouching, stooping or bending repeatedly throughout the day in the course of conducting field investigations.
  • Ability to communicate well enough to effectively accomplish the essential functions of the job.
  • Vision enough to review detailed written correspondence; conduct research; and complete reports.

Tools and Equipment (Provided by the Health Department)

  • Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including hard hat, protective clothing, high visibility vests, safety glasses, steel toed work boots, gloves.

Travel

  • Extensive local or regional travel is required to conduct field investigations, attend meetings, conferences, and seminars.
  • As a condition of employment, employees may be required to utilize their private vehicles in the performance of their duties but will be reimbursed for mileage.
  • This is a non-exempt, overtime eligible position, which may require some overtime or adjustments to normal working hours as required to conduct field investigations.