On-Site Sewage & Individual Well Investigator

Are you interested in promoting excellent wastewater treatment and fair code enforcement? Do you have experience in on-site sewage system permitting? Do you enjoy complex problem solving?  

First round of application review for those applications received by October 20, 2022. 
 
The OSS Permitting Program is seeking to fill a full-time career service Health & Environmental Investigator III position. The position will review a wide variety of land use proposals, especially OSS designs and installations, working with designers and property owners in navigating the OSS permitting process. You will provide technical assistance, education, and regulatory compliance advice to a wide variety of audiences including on-site sewage industry, real estate industry, the public and others.
 
This position also supports owners of properties served by individual wells with permitting, trouble shooting, data analysis, updating website information, and technical assistance related to new and existing wells.

This work is completed using digital technologies including Office 365, Envision, Bluebeam, and OnlineRME.  The preferred applicant will have strong computer skills and be willing to learn and using these technologies.

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
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:   

• Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue
• At home office 

KEY EXPECTATIONS AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• The OSS Inspector works in the field reviewing OSS Site Designs, Boundary Line Adjustments, Well Site reviews, Proposed Sub Divisions, Complaints, Failure Investigations, and makes other complex land use decisions.  Office time is required to investigate code requirements and document decisions using electronic permit processes.
• Provide technical, data analysis, and communication services related to individual, private wells used for potable water.
• Interpret and communicate public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and technical regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences. 
• Determine if regulatory violations have occurred, document violations, and establish schedule for corrections.
• Must have strong skills with databases, Bluebeam Revu, and web interfacing permit processing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Registered Sanitarian certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS) is required within 6 months of hire into this position. 
• Washington State On-site Sewage System Designer License or Investigator Certification per Chapter 196-32 WAC within 24 months of hire date.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local industry codes, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental health and protection; environmental sciences and engineering principles; public health principles and disease process; and disease prevention principles.  Successful candidates will have experience with on-site sewage system permitting and well construction standards.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex environmental health investigation using established regulations, codes, and practices; to research, monitor, and apply federal, state and local laws, policies, and environmental protection under adverse weather and site conditions. 
• Experienced in working with people from diverse backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
• Utilize meticulous grammar, editing and writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office 365 and BlueBeam Revu in your daily work.

• Innovative thinking and identify best practices to approach problems, resolve conflicts, and make decisions consistent with program policies.
• Proactive and able to manage a high volume of diverse assignments and projects and can handle multiple competing priorities and maintain attention to detail.

• Experienced and knowledgeable in interpretation and analysis of plans, policies, and regulations; knowing when to reach out for assistance from supervisor or other professionals.

• Registered Environmental Health Specialist from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or Registered Sanitarian from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS) within 6 months of hire.
• Washington State On-site Sewage System Designer License or Investigator Certification per Chapter 196-32 WAC within 24 months of hire date.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

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.

1. An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the “Apply” link), or paper application (see note below).
2. Responses to the supplemental questions.
3. A cover letter that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.

• 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.
• 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 positions in the following classification groups are required to pass a pre-employment physical: Health and Environmental Investigator, Health and Environmental Inspector, Plumbing Inspector.
• 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.