Basic Job Purpose/Function
Environmental Health Specialist II - Public Health Department - Goldendale, WA - Full-time - Grade 71, Steps 1-3, $36.41 to $38.61/hr, DOQ. First Review 05/08/2026, Open Until Filled.
The Environmental Health Specialist conducts sanitation inspections and evaluations. Explains local and State regulations and standards. Identifies corrective action(s)when needed or as required, reviews and issues or withholds permits and licenses, and recommends permit revocation or other enforcement action. Assists the public as necessary in all matters related to Environmental Public Health requirements.
Essential Job Duties
- Reviews building and menu plans of new or existing food establishments, may develop and update educational materials or presentations for the Food Safety programs. Assures inspections are performed on a timely basis and in accordance with local and state regulation.
- Conducts, reviews, and explains results of On-Site Septic (OSS) evaluations to the public, performs inspections to assure compliance with permit(s), and coordinates with other departments and agencies to establish, maintain and operate OSS program in conjunction with count building, planning, and code compliance programs.
- May investigate complaints and initiate enforcement and or corrective actions when warranted, and report results to state agencies.
- May investigate vector problems such as animal bites, insects and rodent infestations, and dead animal issues to prevent the spread of disease via vector transmission and may initiate follow-up interviews and investigations to ensure problems have been abated.
- May inspect facilities such as summer camps to ensure proper facilities are provided, general sanitation is maintained in conformance with local, county, and state rules or laws.
- Independently conducts swimming pool and/or other water recreation facility inspections.
- Conduct source site inspections of proposed or existing public water supply systems. Perform and/or instructs citizens to perform appropriate potable water sampling, interprets, and explains results of well water testing; and informs all parties of necessary corrective actions and disinfections procedures. Operate the day-to-day functions of a small drinking water lab.
- Coordinates with other local or state departments and agencies to establish, maintain, and operate the solid waste disposal program.
- May conduct classes, performs public speaking, develops publicity and educational materials and otherwise assists in informing the public of proper sanitation and disease control methods.
- Enforces rules and regulations of State Board of Health, Local Board of Health, and other applicable laws where authority and responsibility has been delegated to the local Board of Health or local County Health Officer.
- Assists other departments or agencies as required or requested and provides professional and technical advice related to environmental health programs, including land use development.
- Independently performs other investigations and assignments of a similar nature and complexity.
- Performs other duties as assigned, including Emergency Preparedness response activities.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements. This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be
- An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university in public health, environmental health, sanitary sciences, bacteriology, dairy sciences, veterinary medicine, engineering, nursing, or natural and physical sciences. Must also have a minimum of 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours of basic and natural sciences.
Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements
- Valid state driver's license in state of residence.
- Preferred upon hiring but not required at the time of hiring, certification as On-Site Sewage Inspector by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS) within 4 years.
- Preferred upon hiring but not required at the time of hiring, two or more years of experience as a Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist in a Public Health agency or similar experience in the armed forces.
- Preferred upon hiring but not required at the time of hiring, National Swimming Pool Foundation or National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Pool/Spa Inspector certification.
- Preferred upon hiring but not required at the time of hiring, certification as a Washington State Registered Sanitarian or certification with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) as a Registered Sanitarian.
