ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPEC II

The salary for this position is: $5,959 - $7,926 monthly.

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is recruiting for an Environmental Health Specialist II for our Environmental Health Division. 

As an Environmental Health Specialist II, you will play a vital role in creating healthier communities by initiating and analyzing environmental health practices and policies to interpret and enforce health codes and laws. In this role, you will provide education and enforcement in specific health programs in order to improve conditions that might otherwise lead to pollution and/or disease transmission. Whether inspecting food facilities, investigating pollution complaints, responding to environmental emergencies, or guiding community health initiatives, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable environment. If you are passionate about protecting the environment and public health, we would love to hear from you!

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Surveillance, enforcement, and public education of health and sanitary programs such as food establishments, schools, swimming pools, vector control epidemiology, lead, and noise control
• Review applications and plans for new or existing food service establishment or water recreational facilities, and advising applicants of Health Code requirements, application procedures, and document requirements
• Issue, withhold, or withdraw licenses and permits based on an analysis and evaluation of proposed or existing health-related systems and/or practices
• Perform inspections of food and drinking establishments, grocery stores, and water recreational facilities to ensure that personnel, facilities, equipment and foods are clean, safe, sanitary, and in compliance with the Health Codes; Notes, evaluates, and explains deficiencies, and takes corrective action or enforcement action when needed
• Conduct swimming pool, hot tub, and bathing beach inspections to ensure safe and sanitary operation and compliance with the Health Code
• Investigate, sample, evaluate, and act upon public complaints of conditions involving pollution, disease, illness, and water or food contamination
• Present public education courses on healthy and safe food handling, swimming pool and food service practices
• Perform other work as required or assigned, including, but not limited to, a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations

To view the full job classification, click here: Environmental Health Specialist II

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed in a quiet office setting in Olympia, Washington and outdoors. Employees in this classification may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and walking in rough terrain. May be exposed to pathogenic bacteria. Heavy lifting in excess of 50 lbs. may be required.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, with the potential option of alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions with Thurston County staff and the public

 

WHO WE ARE:

Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is Thurston County’s local health jurisdiction and human services department and is responsible for protecting the health and promoting the well-being of all people who live, work, and play in Thurston County. We value diversity and strive to foster a sense of belonging, honoring the unique experiences, cultures, skills, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives of our employees and community. As an agency actively working to address health equity, we aspire for everyone to have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

 

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES: