Careers

Description:

Are you enthusiastic about solid waste, environmental health, and community engagement? Do you enjoy working in dynamic, meaningful roles that make a difference in people’s lives? The Environmental Health Services Division – Solid Waste team is currently seeking to fill multiple 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).

Job Duties

 

• Provide culturally competent education and technical guidance to businesses, facilities, the media, and the public, helping communities understand and comply with environmental health regulations.
• Interpret, explain, and apply complex regulations across solid waste facilities, illegal dumping and rodents, pet-related businesses, biomedical waste, and other environmental health programs.
• Conduct inspections, plan reviews, and investigations to ensure compliance with local and state regulations, identifying risks and promoting safe practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to resolve complex compliance issues and develop coordinated solutions.
• Implement progressive enforcement actions when necessary, including notices, orders, civil penalties, and property liens.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate data and records, contributing to reports, outreach efforts, and community education initiatives.
• Conduct technical research, shadow senior staff, and support process improvements to enhance program effectiveness and professional growth.
• Integrate Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles into all work and support the Environmental Health Division’s strategic goals.

Skills/Eligibility:

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):

• Eligibility to take the REHS/RS exam within 1 year of employment, including a Bachelor’s degree (see Licensing/Certification Requirements). 
• Prior education or experience in one or more environmental health/public health disciplines such as living environment, indoor air, food safety, on-site wastewater, solid waste management, facility and site evaluation, emergency preparedness, infection control and prevention, disease outbreak investigations, etc. 
• 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. 

All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of environmental protection programs, laws, regulations, policies and processes. 
• Knowledge of environmental health, science and engineering principles. 
• Ability to interpret and apply environmental health regulations. 
• Skill and ability to provide customer service to broadly diverse populations. 
• Knowledge of enforcement techniques and evidence gathering.

• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately. 

• Skill and ability to engage with the public and business owners tactfully and professionally. 

• Skill in verbal and written communications. 

• Ability to demonstrate strong writing skills to create investigation reports, technical reports, and written communications to the public. 

• Ability to maintain accurate field records (written and photographic) in computer programs and database systems such as Excel. 

• Skills in using effective conflict management strategies. 

• Ability to maintain attention to detail while handling time-sensitive tasks. 

• Ability to work independently and collaborate as a supportive and effective member of an interdisciplinary team. 

• Skill in using office software tools effectively for data collection, reporting, and case management.

The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired): 

• Familiarity with conducting and drafting environmental health inspections electronically. 
• Knowledge of and coursework in environmental science, toxicology, characterization of business waste streams, environmental engineering, and landfill hydrogeology. 
• Experience with environmental sample handling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and safety procedures for working with hazardous materials. 
• Background or interest in toxicology and strong research skills. 
• Training or knowledge in trauma-informed communications, behavior change, and/or motivational interviewing. 
• Fluency in one or more non-English languages most spoken in King County (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali). 
• Experience with policy development, community engagement, or program improvement initiatives. 
• Familiarity with Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles and applying them in environmental health work. 
• Master’s degree in Environmental Health or a related field.