Health and Environmental Investigator IV (Supervisor)

Full Job Description

The Environmental Health Services Division, Food & Facilities Section is seeking a skilled, enthusiastic, and dedicated individual to serve as an Environmental Health Services Supervisor (Health and Environmental Investigator IV) in a Career Service position.

The successful candidate will have a passion for environmental public health and creating heathier lives for all people in King County, enjoy investing in professional development of staff and developing workforce and teams, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and be effective at developing productive relationships with agency partners and regulated entities.

The program is seeking an innovative individual who is able to provide oversight for technology-driven food safety and water recreation facility management systems, including supporting the adoption of new software and leading a team to produce data-driven results.

The successful applicant will work with a team of supervisors in the section and will directly supervise 10-12 people, including a team of food plan reviewers.

The position will be located within the Food & Facilities Section of the Environmental Health Services Division of Public Health – Seattle & King County.

The Environmental Health Services Division's mission is to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.

The Food & Facilities Section contributes to healthy communities by permitting, educating and inspecting over 1,800 water recreation facilities, 12,500 permanent food businesses, 45 farmers markets, 3,500 temporary food vendors, and issues over 50,000 food worker cards annually.

In addition, the section is responsible for permitting and inspecting 1,800 water recreational facilities, oversees the safety of fresh and marine water bathing beaches, and provides regulatory oversight of sewage releases and Harmful Algal Blooms affecting swimming beaches.

We serve an incredibly diverse, culturally rich, and culinarily innovative communities. Our incredibly talented and diverse 63-person team operates with a $15.5 million annual budget.

The Food and Facilities Section strives to provide equitable service and applies an educational approach toward regulatory compliance.

The position supports and advances the Environmental Health Services Division's values for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, effective and efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.

The Program is committed to the principles of racial equity and social justice and values diverse perspectives and life experiences in its workforce. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite. The Environmental Health Division reserves the right to place staff at worksite locations or transfer staff to new worksite locations that best support the efficient delivery of services.

This posting may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future Career Service, Term Limited Temporary, and Special Duty Assignment vacancies that may occur in this classification within this workgroup.

The eligibility pool will be retained for 6 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

About the Environmental Health Services Division: Through the work of 190+ dedicated employees, The Environmental Health Services Division’s mission is to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.

Our vision is 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.

We strive for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, effective, and efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.

To learn more, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs. 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.

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

Supervision and Workforce Development:

• Provide oversight for a team of inspectors and plan reviewers.
• Conduct and facilitate staff development and performance management activities.
• Collaborate with staff, colleagues, Assistant Division Director, Deputy Assistant Division Director, Division and program management team; ensure compliance with Department and Division policies and procedures.
• Ensure adequate staff and skills are available to support program needs; anticipate and participate in solving conflicts between other agencies/work groups and resolving labor issues.
• Coach, mentor and train field and senior environmental health investigators.
• Support and develop on-going programs and continuous improvement efforts.

Program and Project Management:

• Develop and evaluate performance dashboard to help make data driven decisions.
• Implement program development efforts, such as supporting ongoing QA/QC activities.
• Develop metrics and dashboards to help improve staff performance.
• Interpret and apply program guidance in managing projects, programs and services.
• Identify community needs and characteristics to prioritize, influence and improve programs and services.
• Effectively and efficiently manage agency resources including staff, project resources, work plans and service agreements; ensure consistency with Department and Division policies.
• Ensure that services are planned, delivered and evaluated in a culturally appropriate manner that reflects the needs of all stakeholders we serve across King County.
• Implement and monitor the food safety rating system, including conducting on-going quality assurance and control, training staff and processing appeals.
• Manage projects of various types in support of food and water recreational programs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Food & Facilities Assistant Division Director and other program managers.

Qualifications

Required:

• Five (5) years of experience conducting inspections to ensure compliance with:
  • The Washington State Retail Food Code, the King County Food Code, or food codes in other state or local jurisdictions and
  • The Washington State Water Recreation Facilities Code or water recreation codes in other state or local jurisdictions
• Two (2) years of experience supervising or leading people, projects, or teams in Environmental Health, preferably in food safety or water recreation, including: Training, coaching, and mentoring staff; providing subject matter expertise and technical assistance; and managing employee performance (e.g., providing feedback, working with HR to resolve personnel issues, writing performance appraisals).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, including: Strong and consistent leadership; experience creating, managing, or leading effective teams; delegating responsibilities; active listening; facilitation, negotiation, mediation and compromise; managing assignments to meet deadlines; resolving conflicts; ensuring appropriate transparency; and maintaining effective and positive relationships with peers, subordinates and management.
• Program or project management experience, including: Demonstrated ability applying knowledge of local government program operations; strategic planning; developing and applying internal and external stakeholder strategies; developing, implementing, monitoring and improving programmatic/strategic outcomes; using data to guide decision-making; establishing priorities; and conducting or managing quality control/quality assurance.
• Demonstrated cultural competence working with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Demonstrated ability applying principles of equity and social justice in local government programs.
• Ability to create a climate in which people want to do their best; can motivate many kinds of direct report, team or project members; enables co-workers to grow and succeed through feedback, instruction, and encouragement.
• Effective written and oral communications skills, including: Presenting information to lay audiences and technical subject matter experts, and drafting materials such as program policies, procedures, correspondence and technical reports.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

Within six (6) months of hire, Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS).

Both NEHA and WSBRS provide applications for REHS/RS credentialing by examination or via reciprocity.

REHS/RS credentialing information is available from NEHA at:

• www.neha.org/professional-development/credentials/rehsrs-credential

• REHS/RS credentialing information is available from WSBRS at: www.wsbrs.org

All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.

Desired:

• Master's Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, or a closely related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in conducting Food Plan Reviews.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative government program or coalition.
• Experience creating effective working relationships with external program partners/agencies.
• Responding to media and public records disclosure requests.
• Knowledge of FDA Voluntary Retail Program Standards.
• Knowledge of food and pool plan review policies and procedures.
• Bilingual in one of the most common non-English languages in King County (such as Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Hindi, Punjabi, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean).
• Sufficient knowledge and experience working with recreational water facilities to lead this scope of work. Certified Pool & Spa Operator credentialing knowledge base.
• Knowledge of Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) programs.
• Knowledge and experience implementing “Train the Trainer” programs to promote workforce development and continuing education for staff.
• Knowledge of regulatory oversight and experience applying this knowledge to education, enforcement, legal frameworks, and public health policy.
• Knowledge and experience applying change management principles.
• Skill and experience with emergency response.
• Skill and experience with de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge and experience addressing unpermitted stakeholder operations and non-traditional business models with respect to established Food and Water Recreation Facility code compliance in WA State.
• Ability to network and establish collaborative partnerships through other agency and industry stakeholders.
• Currently holds a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or from the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS).

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)

Please note: Cover letters, resumes, and additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process if not outlined as a required application material as outlined above.

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.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors and outdoors in office environments, food establishments, schools, water recreation facilities and other field locations in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include:

• Walking on wet and greasy floors, uneven terrain, up and down stairs and working around heavy machinery, strong odors, dusts, animals, and various types of chemical products and wastes.
• Carrying, using, and maintaining in the field portable computers, environmental sampling equipment, and educational and enforcement documents.
• Interaction with individuals from the public who are upset, angry, agitated, and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and de-escalation skills.
• This position may require strength enough to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and other objects weighing up to 40 pounds as well as refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis and a valid Washington State Driver's license.
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally access or travel by ferry or boat.

Work Schedule

The regular workweek is 40 hours, Monday to Friday. Occasional evening, weekends, on-call work, and some travel are required. This full-time position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime.

Work Location

The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work.

The successful candidate is expected to report to the office for onsite work typically (2-3 times per week).

The frequency of onsite work may vary based on business or operational needs and be adjusted accordingly.

The primary onsite location is Eastgate Public Health (14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007), but may also require reporting to other office locations including the Chinook Building (401 5th Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98104) or other satellite offices Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

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).