Health and Environmental Investigator I / II

King County Auburn, WA Full-time Health Care Provider

Posted on September 16, 2022

Summary

The Food and Facilities Section, Environmental Health Services Division, is currently seeking to fill multiple Short Term Temporary positions for Health & Environmental Investigator (HEI) Level I / II. Placement into Level II depends upon the qualifications of successful candidates prior to the hire date (described further in the Qualifications section below). The HEI I / II STT positions are expected to be filled for duration of up to 910 hrs over a period of 12 months. Ideal candidates will have current or recent experience inspecting food establishments in Washington state and be able to work 1-2 days per week conducting inspections in King County.

First round of application review for those applications received by September 29, 2022.

The HEI I / II positions provide education, inspection, and compliance services to a broad variety of food establishments, schools, and water recreation facilities to minimize risks of injury and disease. The HEI I / II will enable businesses to protect public health and comply with the Codes of the King County Board of Health by conducting routine inspections, educational visits and other investigations at food establishments, schools, pools, and spas in King County. Additionally, the HEI I / II will implement program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION:
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender or economic status. The Division’s core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve.

To learn more, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Location:
The majority of the work associated with this position will be performed in the field. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at Public Health worksites throughout the County and may also utilize home deployment. There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a county worksite. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individuals selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.

The primary King County worksite for this position will be at one or more of the following locations:

Downtown Seattle, Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1100, Seattle, WA
Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA
Bothell/North Creek Environmental Health (not a public location)
Kent Public Health Center, 25742 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA
Multiple sites as noted above.

The Environmental Health Division reserves the right to place staff at worksite locations or transfer staff to new worksite locations that best support the efficient delivery of services.

Job Duties

Provide culturally competent education, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance services to restaurants and other food establishments, schools, water recreation facilities, the media, and the general public.
Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and technical regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences.
Conduct inspections of food establishments (permanent and temporary), pools, schools, and beaches to ensure compliance with current public health and environmental codes, regulations, and policies.
Determine if regulatory violations have occurred, document violations, establish schedules for corrective actions, and make recommendations for additional compliance actions to senior investigators.
Perform food borne illness investigations at food establishments and injury investigations at water recreation facilities and coordinate activities with senior level investigators.
Respond to public complaints and inquiries about food borne illness, injuries at water recreation facilities and other environmental health concerns.
Maintain and use program based computerized systems, write reports, and maintain accurate field records.
Work with other agencies and jurisdictions to receive, screen, or share information regarding environmental health investigations as needed to coordinate multi-jurisdictional enforcement actions.
Present environmental health program information at meetings and public forums.
Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.
The Health & Environmental Investigator will implement program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Knowledge of environmental health, science and engineering principles.
Knowledge of environmental programs, laws, regulations and policy processes.
Knowledge of water and food sampling techniques; sample handling procedures; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and safety procedures for working around and with hazardous materials.
Knowledge of regulatory and technical research methods.
Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
Skill in providing quality customer services with broadly diverse populations.
Skill in verbal and written communications; using office software and databases; and using and interpreting maps and plans.
Ability to conduct complex environmental health investigations using established regulations, codes, and practices to research, monitor, and apply federal, state and local laws, policies, and environmental protection.
Ability to interpret environmental health laws, ordinances and regulations for application to environmental health problems and to a variety of audiences.
Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating and securing correction of unsatisfactory conditions, situations and practices; investigate and report on compliance with environmental standards, laws, rules and regulations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to work effectively as both an individual and as a member of a team; make sound, reasonable, and objective determinations based on fact; handle and meet deadlines; deal with difficult people; and complete complicated and interagency projects in a timely and effective manner.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual in one of most common non-English language groups in King County (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Korean, Ukrainian, Amharic, Punjabi).
Knowledge of, and experience applying, the Washington State Retail Food Code, the King County Food Code and the Washington State Water Recreation Facilities Code.
Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health or equivalent.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

HEI I: obtain Registered Sanitarian Certificate within 1 year of hire date from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS). See REHS/RS eligibility requirements at https://www.neha.org/node/1209 or http://www.wsbrs.org/getreg.html.
For HEI II: Registered Sanitarian (RS) certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS) is required at the time of hire. (All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.)
Valid Washington State driver's license by time of hire.
REHS/RS credentialing information is available from NEHA at: www.neha.org/professional-development/credentials/rehsrs-credential
REHS/RS credentialing information is available from WSBRS at: www.wsbrs.org

Supplemental Information

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

submit proof of vaccination, or
have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply : This position is open to all qualified applicants.

Work Schedule: This is a Short-Term Temporary position not to exceed a total of 910 hrs. over 12 months period. Typically, employees work 10 – 20 hours per week. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is not eligible for overtime pay. Evening and weekend work will be required.

Contact: If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resource Analyst at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8357.

Application Process
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the “Apply” link), or paper application (see note below).
Responses to the supplemental questions.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or Public Health's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.

Salary Information (depending on qualifications):

$32.17 - $40.77 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I
$37.98 - $48.14 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include walking uneven terrain, working around heavy machinery, strong odors, dusts, animals, and various types of wastes.

Exposure to individuals from the public who are upset, angry, agitated, and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and de-escalation skills.
This position may require strength enough to lift, push, or pull field equipment weighing between 20-40 pounds. Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis and a valid Washington State Driver's license. This position may require the incumbent to occasionally access or travel by ferry or boat.

Supplemental Information
The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office 365) and other web-enabled tools. Candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform essential functions of the position. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.

Necessary Special Requirements:
Candidates selected for this position are required to pass a pre-employment physical.
The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically disqualifying. Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law. Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required trainings on time.

Union Affiliation: This position is represented by Protect Local 17 Union.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite gyms and activity centers
Employee giving program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Can you provide proof that you possess a current, Valid, WA State Driver License or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position?

Are you:

Currently certified as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) by the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians, OR
Currently certified as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the National Environmental Health Association, OR
None of the above

Do you have knowledge of federal, state and/or local industry codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to environmental health and protection?

Do you have knowledge of the following: water and food sampling techniques; sample handling procedures and protocols; and data collection, analysis, and interpretation?

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
No.

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question