Environmental Specialist 4 (Doh7319) Jobs

Description
Make a difference
The Environmental Specialist 4 will support the Office of Drinking Water’s, Source Water Protection Program primarily focusing on:

• Watershed protection.
• Drinking water as a beneficial use.
• Climate change impacts on the resource.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to promote surface water protections, discuss the impacts of climate change on source water quality and quantity, and provide training and guidance materials.
• Assist the Source Water Protection Program Manager to evaluate and implement critically important, highly complex, statewide/nationwide rules, policies, and program plans.
• Work with regulatory agencies, particularly the Dept. of Ecology, Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to find opportunities to promote surface water quality and source water protection activities.
• Serve as a senior environmental section specialist providing expertise on issues related to water quality, water quantity, and implementation of watershed protection measures and activities.

The incumbent may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. When approved, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance including telework and reporting to the agreed upon duty station for work activities as needed. It is anticipated that the incumbent would be expected to report to the agreed upon duty station for work activities two to three days monthly.
Join a great team and lead us into the future
These activities support our mission of protecting the health of the people of Washington State by working with others to ensure safe and reliable drinking water. These activities will improve the health of people in Washington State by strengthening the public health system to better serve its citizens, enhance strategic partnerships, improve external and internal public health communication to protect our public water supply sources, and improve the capacity of our water systems.
Work that matters
Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.
About Us
The Department of Health (DOH) works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. We are committed to our cornerstone values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement to re-energize our commitment to health for all — creating policies and conditions so everyone can live their healthiest lives.
We cannot embark on this journey alone. We must collaborate with communities, community-based organizations, local public health entities, governmental partners, health care providers and systems, the private sector, Tribal Nations, and many more. Infusing our agency's values into how we transform our services, go about our activities, and strengthen our core work, is critical to the bright and robust future ahead. Learn more about our Transformational Plan.

We are happy to offer

• Access to the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment.
• One of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to meet the needs of you and your family. Beyond the traditional benefits such as Health, Life Insurance, Retirement, and related benefits, we offer Flex Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Assistance, Deferred Compensation, and more.
• A commitment to work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• An Infant at Work Programbased on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
• Accrue 14 to 25 days of annual leave and 96 hours of sick leave per year.
• A wellness program offers education, healthy food access, and fitness classes.
• Employee resource groups for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development.
• Lump-sum relocation reimbursement may be negotiated during the employment offer.

Our Ideal Candidate
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understand how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.
Required Qualifications
Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.
Option 1: Four (4) or more years of demonstrated experience working in the field of environmental health or public health with a state or local health or planning jurisdiction in one or more of the following areas:

• Local or state land use or utility planning.
• Water system policy development and analysis.
• Coordination or oversight of local or statewide watershed planning such as Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas or source water protection areas.

OR
Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree or higher involving a major study in environmental, physical or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or allied field AND three (3) or more years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Local or state land use or utility planning.
• Coordination or oversight of local or statewide watershed planning such as Critical Aquifer Recharge. Areas or source water protection areas.
• Water system policy development and analysis.

AND
Demonstrated experience balancing complex technical and policy issues and make independent, reasoned, and justifiable decisions in a timely manner to accomplish program objectives.
Desired Qualifications
Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

• Basic understanding of public water systems through field experience.
• Experience working in ESRI or other mapping application is desirable.
• Basic understanding of water quality (microbial, inorganic, and organic) risks
• Demonstrated success in working cooperatively and effectively with diverse stakeholders (business, citizens, local, state, and federal governments, and tribes).
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, handle, and delegate multiple projects/issues at one time.
• Experience working with the Department of Health drinking water database SENTRY is desirable.
• Experience with planning and regulations related to the Growth Management Act.
• Four years of experience working in the field of environmental health or public health with a state or local health jurisdiction or local planning department.

Application Process
Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.
• A current resume (without personal pictures).

Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (transcripts, social security number, year of birth, etc.).
Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
If you have questions, need alternative formats, or need assistance, please contact Andrea Thieme at (360) 867-3987, [email protected], or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages).
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
All employees working for the Department of Health must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their hire date. The Office of Human Resources will verify proof of vaccination after an extended employment offer.
Please contact Human Resources at [email protected] if you need medical or religious accommodation information.

With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work a full-time 40-hour work week and occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon supervisor’s approval.
• Willing and able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Travel occasionally, as needed, either alone or with another person, overnight, for several days and/or out of state.
• Sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Moving object and materials weighing as much as 25 pounds.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments as assigned.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts