Environmental Health Specialist III
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on3730, South K Street, Lincoln International District, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, 98418, United States
About the Team
The Environmental Health Division of Pierce County is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of our residents. Our mission is to apply professional knowledge, leadership, and technical expertise to ensure safe living environments, from onsite sewage systems to water resources. We are a dynamic organization where employees work independently as subject matter experts while mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.
About the Role
As an Environmental Health Specialist III, you will serve as a technical lead and mentor within the Onsite Sewage/Water Resources program. This is a pivotal role where you will work independently to solve complex regulatory challenges, guiding a team of specialists, inspectors, and permit technicians. You will be the go-to expert for interpreting local, state, and federal regulations, ensuring compliance across a wide range of facilities including food establishments, schools, and land developments.
Your day will blend high-level program coordination with hands-on fieldwork. You will conduct complex inspections, oversee regulatory compliance assessments, and manage investigations into environmental incidents such as hazardous spills or disease outbreaks. Beyond the field, you will provide expert testimony in legal proceedings, develop program policies, and lead educational outreach efforts to empower communities with the knowledge to maintain public health standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of environmental health in Pierce County while driving operational excellence and staff development.
Work location
Work model: On-site
3730, South K Street, Lincoln International District, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, 98418, United States
Tacoma, Washington
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleConduct complex field inspections and plan reviews for compliance with health and safety regulations
- check_circleOversee and mentor environmental health specialists, technicians, and inspectors
- check_circleOperate office and field equipment to collect site samples and environmental data
- check_circlePrepare detailed reports, maintain records, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings
- check_circleCoordinate program activities and collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies
- check_circleRespond to environmental incidents, hazardous spills, and disease outbreaks
- check_circleProvide technical consultation and education to the public, businesses, and industry professionals
- check_circleAssist in developing policies, regulations, and program goals based on subject matter expertise
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in environmental science, public health, or related science field
- verified4 years of experience in an environmental health specialist role
- verifiedValid driver's license and acceptable driver's abstract
- verifiedRegistered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Certification OR two additional years of experience in an EHS role
- verifiedOn-Site Inspector Certificate of Competency within 2 years of hire
Nice to Have
Leading a team. Washington State Onsite Sewage and Drinking Water Regulations. Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter 1 – General Provisions, 2 – On-Site Sewage and 3 – Drinking Water. Onsite Sewage related Inspections. Staff Training and/or Mentoring. Code Application and Interpretation for compliance. Accela database.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Microsoft Office, Databases, Environmental Health, Restorative Practices, Conflict Resolution, Code Application, Code Interpretation, Onsite Sewage Inspections, Drinking Water Regulations, Accela Database.
Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably in environmental science, public health, or related science field.
Frequently asked questions about Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
What does a Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department do?expand_more
In this Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department role, you will conduct complex field inspections and plan reviews for compliance with health and safety regulations; oversee and mentor environmental health specialists, technicians, and inspectors; operate office and field equipment to collect site samples and environmental data; and prepare detailed reports, maintain records, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
What are the requirements for this Environmental Health Specialist III role?expand_more
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public health, or related science field; 4 years of experience in an environmental health specialist role; Valid driver's license and acceptable driver's abstract; Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Certification OR two additional years of experience in an EHS role; and On-Site Inspector Certificate of Competency within 2 years of hire.
Where is the Environmental Health Specialist III role at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department located?expand_more
Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is based in 3730, South K Street, Lincoln International District, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, 98418, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Environmental Health Specialist III job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has listed this Environmental Health Specialist III role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Environmental Health Specialist III role?expand_more
Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Environmental Health Specialist III role at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department?expand_more
Key skills for Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department include Microsoft Office; Databases; Environmental Health; Restorative Practices; Conflict Resolution; Code Application; Code Interpretation; and Onsite Sewage Inspections.
What education is required for Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree, preferably in environmental science, public health, or related science field.
What category does the Environmental Health Specialist III role belong to?expand_more
Environmental Health Specialist III at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.