Health and Environmental Investigator I & II
King County
Pioneer Square, WA
Full-time
Health Care Provider
Posted on March 25, 2023
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department
DPH - Public Health
Job Number
2023MF18521
Division
Environmental Health Svcs
Closing
4/21/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
The Food and Facilities Section, Environmental Health Services Division, is currently seeking to fill 3 career service positions for Health & Environmental Investigator (HEI) Level I and Level II. Placement into HEI Level I or 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 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.
Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional career service, term-limited temporary (TLT), short-term temporary (STT), or special duty assignment (SDA) for the next 6 months.
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
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.
The county government has 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 all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Job Duties
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.
Supplemental Information
Forbes 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.
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.
SALARY INFORMATION (DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS)
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 (Downtown Seattle, Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1100, Seattle, Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, or North Creek office, Bothell (not a public facing office)). 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 individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.
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.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. The normal workweek is 40 hours, Monday - Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required. Alternative work schedules are available subject to supervisor approval.
COMPETITIVE BENEFITS
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region, including the Sounder). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family and domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS), as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan).
CONTACT
If you have questions regarding these positions, contact Lisa Nerat, Environmental Health Services Supervisor, at lisa.nerat@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1213. If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resource Supervisor, at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3587.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors and outdoors in office environments, food establishments, schools, water recreation facilities and other field locations in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include:
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.
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department
DPH - Public Health
Job Number
2023MF18521
Division
Environmental Health Svcs
Closing
4/21/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
The Food and Facilities Section, Environmental Health Services Division, is currently seeking to fill 3 career service positions for Health & Environmental Investigator (HEI) Level I and Level II. Placement into HEI Level I or 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 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.
Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional career service, term-limited temporary (TLT), short-term temporary (STT), or special duty assignment (SDA) for the next 6 months.
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
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.
The county government has 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 all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Job Duties
- Provide culturally competent education, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance services to food industries, 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 (ESJ) Ordinance and the King County ESJ Strategic Plan.
EXPERIENCE, 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 facts; handle and meet deadlines; deal with difficult people; and complete complicated and interagency projects in a timely and effective manner.
- A Bachelor's degree meeting the minimum requirements for obtaining a valid certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS).
- Ability to communicate and provide information verbally and in writing to the public.
- Valid Washington State Driver License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Bilingual in one of most common non-English language groups in King County (includes Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Korean, Ukrainian, Amharic, Hindi and Punjabi).
- Knowledge of, and experience applying, the King County Food Code and the Washington State Water Recreation Facilities Code.
- Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health or equivalent.
- An HEI Level II hire requires, at the time of hire, possession of a valid certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS).
- An HEI Level I hire requires obtaining a valid REHS certificate from NEHA or an RS from WSBRS within six months of the hire date as a condition of continuing employment. The probationary period may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
- Valid Washington State driver's license.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.
Supplemental Information
Forbes 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.
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.
SALARY INFORMATION (DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS)
- $34.97 - $44.33 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I
- $41.29 - $52.34 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II
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 (Downtown Seattle, Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1100, Seattle, Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, or North Creek office, Bothell (not a public facing office)). 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 individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.
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.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. The normal workweek is 40 hours, Monday - Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required. Alternative work schedules are available subject to supervisor approval.
COMPETITIVE BENEFITS
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region, including the Sounder). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family and domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS), as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan).
CONTACT
If you have questions regarding these positions, contact Lisa Nerat, Environmental Health Services Supervisor, at lisa.nerat@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1213. If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resource Supervisor, at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3587.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- NEOGOV/Government Jobs online or paper application.
- Responses to the supplemental questions.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- A cover letter that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors and outdoors in office environments, food establishments, schools, water recreation facilities and other field locations in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include:
- Walking on wet and greasy floors, uneven terrain, up and down stairs and working around heavy machinery, strong odors, dusts, animals, and various types of chemical products and wastes.
- Carrying, using, and maintaining in the field portable computers, environmental sampling equipment, and educational and enforcement documents.
- Interaction with 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, carry, push, or pull equipment and other objects weighing up to 40 pounds as well as refrigerator and freezer doors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- This position is represented by PROTEC17, www.protec17.org
- 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
- 12paid 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
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.