The Washington State Department of Health works to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington State.  The Office of Environmental Health & Safety supports our mission by improving the health of people in Washington State by reducing and preventing, where possible, human exposures to a variety of environmental hazards and disease pathogens associated with the disposal of wastewater, the food we eat, the schools our children attend, and the places we recreate and overnight.

These positions conduct environmental sampling for the marine biotoxin and Vibrio parahaemolyticus programs and is responsible for:

• Planning and scheduling field sampling
• Collecting shellfish samples from intertidal sampling locations
• Setting and retrieving remote temperature recording devices
• Taking and recording field measurements including air, water, and oyster tissue temperature and salinity
• Conducting phytoplankton sampling
• Driving samples to or from the Public Health Lab in Seattle, or NOAA in Seattle
• Engaging with shellfish stakeholders, industry members, and the public
• Conducting quality control/quality assurance of sample results
• Creating a presentation on your work experience or independent small-scale research study for OEHS staff
• Job shadowing within the office, including water quality monitoring and shoreline surveys, as interest and time allows
• Developing social media posts for the Recreational Shellfish Facebook page
• Developing and executing an independent small-scale research study in coordination with Vibrio or Biotoxin Program staff and partner agencies.

About the Department of Health
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe. Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies.

Our ultimate vision is that people in Washington will enjoy longer and healthier lives because they live in healthy families and communities. Check out these videos on our blog, Public Health Connection to see examples of the work we do. We know today’s students will become tomorrow’s leaders. We believe that investing in students is critical to ensuring the future success of Washington’s public health system.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student (or a recent graduate) in environmental science or related degree program at an accredited university or college.
• Demonstrated experience in the following:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Flexible and versatile in changing situations, comfortable developing schedules, balancing priorities, and managing time.
  • Well-developed communication skills.
  • Enthusiastic and motivated about the position.
  • Able to observe and record data.
  • Work independently and with minimal supervision.
  • Work to agreed quality standards and specifications.
  • Assess situations, identify problems, and be innovative when solving problems.

Application Process
Intrigued? Click “Apply” to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

1. A detailed Cover Letter that describes why you would like to be considered for this non-permanent position; how you believe that you meet the requirements, and what you hope to gain from your time with the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.
2. A current resume.
3. Three or more references.

Important Note: Do not attach documents that contain private information (social security number, date of birth, transcripts, etc.) or documents that are password protected. These documents will not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.

This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation.
• Occasionally work more than 40 hours per week and/or adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Travel throughout the state (including rural areas) which may include overnight stays.
• Moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Swim and be comfortable around water and walking intertidal areas.
• Participate in emergency response activities and when the Agency Coordination center is activated.

If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Zach Covington at (360) 236-2406, Zach.Covington@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 711 (Washington Relay). Technical support is provided by neogov, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.  Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.