link to full position description/application (link expires when filled)

[MB advising: see link above to full job posting and application details (will expire when position is filled). The following are excerpts from the full position description, do not necessarily include full details, and are provided for the purposes of career exploration.]

Make a difference. 

The Department of Health works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State.  The mission of the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) is to improve the health of people in Washington State by reducing and preventing, where possible, human exposures to a variety of environmental hazards and disease pathogens associated with the disposal of wastewater, the food we eat, the schools our children attend, and the places we recreate and overnight.

This Shellfish Environmental Sampling Assistant (ES1) supports the mission by conducting environmental sampling for the marine biotoxin and Vibrio parahaemolyticus programs. Without preventative sampling for marine biotoxins, we could not close shellfish growing areas to prevent illness. This is a project limited, full time Environmental Specialist 1 (ES1) position on an anticipated 3-month project.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan and schedule field sampling.
• Collect shellfish samples from intertidal sampling locations on the Coast, Puget Sound, and Hood Canal.
• Set and retrieve remote temperature recording devices.
• Take and record field measurements including air, water, and oyster tissue temperature and salinity.
• Conduct phytoplankton sampling.
• Drive samples to/from the Public Health Lab in Seattle or NOAA in Seattle if needed.
• Engage with shellfish stakeholders, industry members and the public.
• Maintain and inventory shellfish supplies at the Tumwater campus.
• Build and deliver shellfish sampling supply kits to partners.
• Conduct quality control/quality assurance of sample results.

Work that matters.

Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work and play.

The agency realizes that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.

View Celebrating Public Health

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 (EIE) to reenergize 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, 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

Why DOH?   We offer…

• One of the most competitive benefits package in the nation that is 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 so much more.
• A commitment to work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Employees earn between 14 and 25 days of paid vacation per year depending on the length of employment.
• A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
• An Infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
• Employee resource groups that provide forums for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development.
• DOH is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

Our Ideal Candidate. 

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands 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.

Recent graduate (within the last 2 years) or currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an environmental science or related degree program at an accredited university or college.

Demonstrated experience in the following:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and versatile in changing situations, comfortable developing schedules, balancing priorities, and managing time.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Enthusiastic and motivated about the position.
• Able to observe and record data.
• Work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Work to agreed quality standards and specifications.
• Assess situations, identify problems, and be innovative when solving problems.

Application Process

Intrigued? Click “Apply” to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without any personal pictures), describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without any personal pictures).
• 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.

 Important Note: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.).

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should 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 year of birth.

Union Representation

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 engaging in work 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 employment offer has been extended.

Please reach out to Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation.

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

• Standard business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.  A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
• The position involves periodically working outside in rough terrain and in a variety of weather conditions.  The position must use proper safety considerations when conducting work in the field.
• The position may require moving objects and materials weighing as much as 25 pounds.  Applicants must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
• Able to swim and comfortable around water and walking in intertidal areas.
• Must be willing to travel statewide when necessary to perform the functions of the position.  Must be willing to travel alone or with another person driving a state assigned vehicle.

If you have questions, need alternative formats, or other assistance please contact Andrea Thieme at andrea.thieme@doh.wa.gov or (360) 918-6601. or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.