Water Recreation Environmental Health Specialist (PHA 3) DOH8892

Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents, those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders, and those able to relocate to these locations. Field work throughout Washington State is required and expected to comprise approximately 20% of work time.

Permanent · Full-time

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a skilled professional to support safe and healthy water recreation across Washington. This role sits within the Division of Environmental Public Health, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and contributes directly to protecting communities from environmental health risks.

Working in the Water Recreation Program, this position partners with local health jurisdictions, industry professionals, and state leaders to strengthen safety standards, guide compliance, and respond to emerging public health concerns.

Key Responsibilities

Program Guidance & Technical Expertise

• Provide consultation on regulations, policies, and technical issues related to water recreation facilities
• Develop reports, guidance documents, and responses to public and stakeholder inquiries

Policy & Rule Development

• Support development, updates, and interpretation of aquatic facility rules
• Lead or contribute to rule revision efforts and stakeholder workgroups

Inspections & Compliance

• Coordinate and conduct pre‑opening, routine, and follow‑up inspections
• Investigate complaints, illnesses, and injuries; support enforcement actions as needed
• Identify gaps in inspection processes and recommend improvements

Training & Outreach

• Develop and deliver training to industry partners, local health jurisdictions, and facility staff
• Provide field‑based instruction on state aquatic facility requirements

Technical Review & Evaluation

• Review product submissions to ensure compliance with state standards
• Evaluate and approve engineering plans, designs, and specifications for water recreation facilities
• Conduct specialized inspections to ensure compliance with design and operational requirements

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on public health by helping ensure safe, enjoyable water recreation across Washington. You’ll work alongside a collaborative, mission‑driven team while building expertise in environmental health, policy development, and regulatory practice. The role offers meaningful variety, professional growth, and the chance to influence statewide standards that protect communities.

Required Qualifications

Option 1: 8 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.

Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or another closely allied science AND 4 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.

Option 3: A master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or another closely allied science AND 2 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Interpreting regulations and statutes, providing technical assistance, and sharing information about environmental public health hazards or issues.
• Developing and presenting training and educational outreach on environmental public health hazards or issues to a broad scope of interested parties.
• Participating in the development of environmental public health guidance, best practices, policies, or rules regarding environmental public health hazards or issues.
• Conducting compliance inspections in a regulatory water recreation program.
• Reviewing engineering or architectural plans.
• Applying mathematics (especially geometry and algebra) and natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics to review highly technical facility design proposals and innovative product designs and practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered as an Environmental Health Specialist or Sanitarian in either Washington State or by the National Environmental Health Association.
• Possess current Pool / Spa Operator Certification, issued by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, or Aquatic Facility Operator Certification issued by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work‑life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting

Working Conditions

Work Setting

• Although this position’s work requires occasional in‑person attendance to perform duties at various locations throughout Washington State, the official duty station is home‑based. When not traveling for work, this position may work from home, from a DOH facility, or remotely from an alternate location.
• Work is sometimes performed at water recreation facilities. This includes outdoor work, often in the summer. Follow mandated work and rest cycles based on weather conditions.
• Exposure to hazards includes those commonly found in government or home office environments, as well as those from moving about, walking, or reaching and extending to accomplish tasks and duties when occasionally at various indoor and outdoor locations.

Schedule

• The normal work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The incumbent must be willing and able to adjust the normal work schedule to meet important business needs.

Travel Requirements

• Travel to meetings, training, and field investigations, sometimes beyond normal work hours.
• When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately‑owned vehicle; or provide alternative transportation when required to travel for state business.

Tools & Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.) as well as inspection tools.

Customer Interactions

• Work collaboratively with a variety of customers, partners, agency staff, and managers on an ongoing basis.

Other

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• The DOH campus is a smoke‑free, drug‑free, alcohol‑free, scent‑neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

DOH is an equal‑opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.