Health and Environmental Inspector

Full Job Description

The Environmental Health Services (EHS) Division is seeking an experienced Health and Environmental Inspector/Rodent Specialist to join the Solid Waste, Rodent, and Zoonotic Disease Program. This position is part of a small, specialized team that responds to rodent infestation complaints, performs sewer baiting and side sewer assessments, and supports community education focused on integrated pest management and long-term rodent prevention. In addition to hands-on field work, the inspector interprets and enforces environmental health regulations, documents findings, issues compliance notices, and works directly with property owners, businesses, and partner agencies to resolve problems. We are looking for someone with professional pest control experience who understands rodent behavior, the safe and lawful use of rodenticides, and practical prevention strategies. The successful candidate brings sound judgment, strong documentation skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of residents and stakeholders. Learn more about the program online at www.kingcounty.gov/rats.

Background

Through the work of over 190 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services (EHS) Division promotes healthy and equitable environmental conditions and prevents disease through sanitation, safe food, air, and water, and reduction of exposure to hazardous materials. In addition to permitting and inspecting public pools, spas, pet businesses, plumbing installations, on-site septic systems, and solid waste facilities, the division also works in partnership with community to address unhealthy environmental conditions and leads the department’s climate change efforts. Our vision is to have healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender, or economic status. The Division’s core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve.

Public Health – Seattle & King County ("PHSKC", "Public Health", or "the department") is the Public Health Department for King County, Washington which includes 39 cities, including the City of Seattle, and unincorporated areas. Public Health is one of the largest metropolitan health departments in the United States with over 1,600 employees. With a biennial budget of nearly $1 billion, the department serves approximately 2.3 million people of King County who reside in urban, rural, shoreline, foothill, and mountain communities with distinct environments and unique public health needs. We operate primary care, dental, sexual and reproductive health, parent child health, and other health care-related services throughout King County across 40 sites and mobile clinics. King County is an international port of entry, welcoming nearly 40 million visitors annually. Over 100 languages are spoken by King County residents.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world.

It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities.

With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups.

Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Requirements

• Conduct rodent investigations at private and public properties, including complaints of infestations, sewer rat issues, and rats in residential or commercial spaces.
• Perform sewer baiting, side sewer assessments, and other field-based rodent control operations, applying integrated pest management principles and following safety protocols.
• Apply rodenticides safely and lawfully and maintain record keeping complying with WSDA pesticide rules.
• Maintaining accurate records of inspections and treatments, including reports, photographs, and GIS data.
• Interpret and enforce environmental health regulations, issue compliance notices, and follow up to ensure corrective actions are completed, using professional judgment to resolve complex cases.
• Provide education and technical assistance to property owners, businesses, and community members on rodent prevention, integrated pest management, and safe waste handling practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams, agency partners, and stakeholders to support investigations, compliance efforts, and public health initiatives. Participate in community outreach, public education events, and interagency meetings as needed.
• Work independently in the field while coordinating with team members and supervisors as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of rodent biology, behavior, and effective prevention and control strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to safely and lawfully handle rodenticides and other pest control chemicals.
• Ability to conduct inspections, sewer baiting, side sewer assessments, and other field-based rodent control activities.
• Ability to interpret and apply environmental health codes, laws, and regulations related to rodent control.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting inspections, investigations, and interactions with property owners, residents, and business owners.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to drive regularly for field assignments.
• Ability to lift/move up to 150lbs

Desired:

• Professional pest control experience (minimum 2 years), including hands-on rodent control and prevention in residential, commercial, or public settings.
• Experience in regulatory enforcement, environmental health inspections, or public health investigations.
• Experience with GIS, database systems, or other digital inspection/recordkeeping tools.
• Multi-language skills relevant to King County communities (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, Arabic, Ukrainian).
• Knowledge of integrated pest management principles applied in municipal, public health, or community settings.
• Training or experience in trauma-informed communication, behavior change, or motivational interviewing.
• Experience in community engagement or public education related to environmental health or pest control.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize competing tasks, and make sound professional judgments in the field.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and preparing reports for regulatory or compliance purposes.

Additional Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• NEOGOV Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Cover Letter - addressing how you meet the requirements of the position
• Resume

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• Pre-employment Physical
• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.

When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description.

This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.

• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Work Schedule

This position will be Monday-Friday, typical hours are 8:00-5:00, alternate schedules may be considered dependent upon department needs. Occasional evening and weekend work as needed. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.

Working Conditions:
This position is field-intensive and requires regular work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and temperature extremes. Inspectors may encounter uneven terrain, steep slopes, confined spaces, sewer environments, and exposure to odors, dust, waste, and rodents.

• Physical requirements include lifting and moving manhole covers (up to 150 pounds), standing, bending, and walking for extended periods, as well as occasional access to challenging spaces.
• Work involves direct interaction with the public, property owners, and business representatives, some of whom may be upset, agitated, or resistant. The ability to de-escalate situations, communicate effectively, and maintain composure is essential.
• Regular driving is required for field inspections and assignments; occasional travel by ferry or to other County facilities may be necessary.
• Employees will work both independently in the field and collaboratively with team members and supervisors.
• Employees must adhere to all safety protocols, including those related to traffic, confined spaces, and the safe handling of rodenticides and other chemicals.

Work Location

This position is in-person and reports to Chinook, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Union Membership

This position is represented by PROTEC 17 Labor Union.

Contact

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Sarah Dunkinson (sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov).