Careers

Description:

The Environmental Health Services (EHS) Division is seeking an experienced Health and Environmental Inspector/Rodent Specialist to join the Solid Waste, Rodent, and Zoonotic Disease Program. This position is part of a small, specialized team that responds to rodent infestation complaints, performs sewer baiting and side sewer assessments, and supports community education focused on integrated pest management and long-term rodent prevention. In addition to hands-on field work, the inspector interprets and enforces environmental health regulations, documents findings, issues compliance notices, and works directly with property owners, businesses, and partner agencies to resolve problems. We are looking for someone with professional pest control experience who understands rodent behavior, the safe and lawful use of rodenticides, and practical prevention strategies. The successful candidate brings sound judgment, strong documentation skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of residents and stakeholders. 

Job Duties

 

• Conduct rodent investigations at private and public properties, including complaints of infestations, sewer rat issues, and rats in residential or commercial spaces. 
• Perform sewer baiting, side sewer assessments, and other field-based rodent control operations, applying integrated pest management principles and following safety protocols. 
• Apply rodenticides safely and lawfully and maintain record keeping complying with WSDA pesticide rules. 
• Maintaining accurate records of inspections and treatments, including reports, photographs, and GIS data. 
• Interpret and enforce environmental health regulations, issue compliance notices, and follow up to ensure corrective actions are completed, using professional judgment to resolve complex cases.
• Provide education and technical assistance to property owners, businesses, and community members on rodent prevention, integrated pest management, and safe waste handling practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams, agency partners, and stakeholders to support investigations, compliance efforts, and public health initiatives. Participate in community outreach, public education events, and interagency meetings as needed. 
• Work independently in the field while coordinating with team members and supervisors as needed.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Skills/Eligibility:

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Required:

• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within six months of hire. 
• Knowledge of rodent biology, behavior, and effective prevention and control strategies. 
• Knowledge and ability to safely and lawfully handle rodenticides and other pest control chemicals. 
• Ability to conduct inspections, sewer baiting, side sewer assessments, and other field-based rodent control activities. 
• Ability to interpret and apply environmental health codes, laws, and regulations related to rodent control. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting inspections, investigations, and interactions with property owners, residents, and business owners. 
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to drive regularly for field assignments.
• Ability to lift/move up to 150lbs

Desired:

• Professional pest control experience (minimum 2 years), including hands-on rodent control and prevention in residential, commercial, or public settings. 
• Experience in regulatory enforcement, environmental health inspections, or public health investigations. 
• Experience with GIS, database systems, or other digital inspection/recordkeeping tools. 
• Multi-language skills relevant to King County communities (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, Arabic, Ukrainian). 
• Knowledge of integrated pest management principles applied in municipal, public health, or community settings. 
• Training or experience in trauma-informed communication, behavior change, or motivational interviewing. 
• Experience in community engagement or public education related to environmental health or pest control. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize competing tasks, and make sound professional judgments in the field. 
• Experience maintaining accurate records and preparing reports for regulatory or compliance purposes.