Careers

The Environmental Health Division’s Food & Community Safety Program is recruiting for two (2) Temporary, Full-time (1.0 FTE) Environmental Health Technicians to work the Pool Season between mid-June and mid-September, 2020.

This is an entry-level technical classification located in the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. Essential functions of the job include:

 

The work of this classification involves interaction with a diverse population of clients; and federal, state, and local governmental agencies to conduct compliance surveys and environmental investigations. Duties include the application of environmental health and safety principles and practices within a regulatory environment, and the development of effective working relationships utilizing tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity when communicating in person or in writing.

 

An employee assigned to this classification will work semi-independently with general supervision. Well-defined directives, regulations and procedures directly cover the work; strict conformance is required. Work assignments are both general and specific in nature, and are received in both verbal and written form. Unusual problems or situations are discussed with an Environmental Health Specialist or the supervisor depending on the situation.

 

Click here for a detailed Classification Specification.

• Knowledge of and the ability to apply math and science applications to environmental health work, i.e., sampling techniques associated with water, air, and soils; handling and disposal of hazardous waste, etc.
• Skill in communicating effectively within a sometimes-stressful environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.
• Ability to analyze, compile, and record data.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities to meet established objectives.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driver’s abstract is required prior to employment.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.

• The work environment is predominately outdoors where an employee would be subject to climate changes, i.e., exposure to rain, wind, heat, and humidity.
• Extensive local travel is required to conduct field investigations, attend meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Strength enough to lift, push, or pull field equipment weighing between 20-40 pounds.
• Physical agility is required due to the rigorous nature of some of the field work, i.e., walking continuously throughout the day on uneven ground; climbing up and down stairs; and crouching, stooping or bending repeatedly throughout the day in the course of conducting field investigations.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, or waste which if not handled or disposed of appropriately could cause significant repercussions to the safety and health of the public.
• This is a non-exempt position which may require some overtime or adjustments to normal working hours as required to conduct field investigations.
• Ability to communicate well enough to effectively accomplish the essential functions of the job.
• Vision enough to review detailed written correspondence; conduct research; and complete reports.
• As a condition of employment, employees may be required to utilize their private vehicles in the performance of their duties but will be reimbursed for mileage.