SR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPEC

The salary for this position is: $6,898 - $9,175 monthly.

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

Are you a seasoned environmental health professional, passionate about protecting communities and advancing public health initiatives? We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Environmental Health Specialist to lead complex environmental health programs, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with governmental standards and public health regulations that safeguard the well-being of our community.

In this leadership role, you will oversee county-wide environmental health programs and initiatives, guide multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with community partners, and serve as a trusted expert in sanitation, disease prevention, environmental hazards, and regulatory enforcement. If you are a detailed, mission-drive public health professional, we would love to hear from you!

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

• Develop, implement, enforce, and provide public education of health and sanitary programs such as sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, water supply and systems, food establishments, swimming pools and beaches, vector control, epidemiology, and chemical, radiological, and physical hazard control
• Organize and direct the work of all assigned employees, providing guidance and training
• Recommend the selection of employees, develops procedures and performance standards, monitors progress and evaluates employee performance
• Coordinate activities with other department agencies and jurisdictions to effectively manage assigned programs
• Represent the department when serving as the designated representative on boards and committees; Advises the media on environmental health issues and projects
• Oversee or conduct the inspection, evaluation, and project review of land parcels and subdivisions to determine feasibility of on-site sewage disposal systems or the condition of existing systems; Review data and recommendations, determine modifications needed for compliance, record conclusions, and issue, withhold, or withdraw license and permits
• Direct or perform the inspection and evaluation of food service establishments and food service facilities in schools, ensuring that personnel, facilities, equipment, and food are clean, healthful, sanitary, and in compliance with the Health Code. 
• Note, evaluate, and direct the corrective action on inspection and evaluation deficiencies; Coordinate appeal hearing actions and present expert testimony, and issue or withdraw licenses and permits according to the Health Code and established standards.
• Design and direct or conduct food handler training, food service manager training, swimming pool manager certification, and other types of education and outreach
• 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. This includes emergency preparedness training and exercises, relevant to the work expectations of duties during emergencies.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Office setting in Olympia, Washington.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, with the potential option of alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working per County policy,
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and perform field inspections. 
• 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