Job Title

Are you ready to channel your passion for quality improvement and Environmental Health into a role that truly matters? Use your technical expertise and supervisory experience to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. Join our Food & Community Safety Program as an Environmental Health Specialist "EHS" Supervisor Regular, (1.0 FTE) and lead the way in public safety. The Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) Supervisor is a first-line supervisor of employees involved in inspecting, monitoring, and evaluating field sites and facilities for compliance with health and safety regulations. Duties include facilitating administrative hearings, variances, and waivers within a regulatory environment and providing supervision and training to staff. This position works within the Food and Community Safety program and primarily supervises staff who ensure compliance with food safety regulations.  Distinguishing Characteristics This position is the supervisor level of the Environmental Health Specialist series and works under the direction of a Program Manager.  An employee assigned to this classification works independently supervising the environmental health team and has considerable latitude for independent judgement under minimal supervision. Position Series * Permit Technician I * Permit Technician II * Environmental Health Specialist I/II * Environmental Health Specialist III * EHS Supervisor Career Path Options Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include: * Program Manager I * Program Manager II Essential Functions * Customer Service: Provide customer service to the public and industry professionals on environmental health topics, applications, permits, applicable fees, and related codes in person, over the phone, and through written communication. * Supervision and Performance Management: Plan, prioritize, assign, and review the work of a team that includes but is not limited to environmental health specialists, pool inspectors, and permit technicians, to include office work, field work, and other aspects of the regulatory process. Investigate and resolve interpersonal issues in a timely manner. Document performance, provide feedback, conduct formal evaluations, and initiate disciplinary actions in collaboration with Human Resources, program manager, and division leadership. Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports and identify areas of opportunity, growth, and recognition. Recruit, hire, train, and model appropriate behavior. * Develop Policies, Procedures, and Operational Plans and Guidelines: Establish operating procedures and guidelines for program activities. Support program manager to develop program plans, ensure deliverables are met, and monitor program progress. Assist program manager in recommendation of new ordinances, rules, or regulations. Serve as Subject Matter Expert at local, state, or federal committees or meetings. * Quality Assurance, Control, and Improvement: Ensure employees comply with local, state, and federal codes, grant requirements, department policies and procedures, and legal guidance. Evaluate operations, processes, and outcomes. Make recommendations to the program manager on process and service improvements. Oversee the maintenance of accurate records, data, and documents related to program work. * Technical Assistance and Complex Problem Solving: Provide advanced technical consultations and problem solving. Handle and resolve complex complaints, non-compliance issues, and technical problems that require advanced knowledge and judgment. Conduct advanced application reviews. Examples of Key Duties The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job. * Supervises and coordinates the work of employees involved in conducting field and office reviews of plan applications, including food service establishments, schools, camps, water recreation facilities, onsite sewage systems, drinking water wells, waste management, water quality and protection and others. * Implements strategies that boost employee productivity, such as optimizing workflows and maximizing the use of technology and other Department resources. * Manages staff performance. Provides regular performance feedback to employees, including timely and thorough performance reviews. Performs regular employee check ins and addresses issues that arise in a timely manner. * Manages interpersonal issues with discretion in a timely manner and in a manner that minimizes future conflict. Facilitates a cohesive work team and manages staff with varied needs and personalities effectively.  Leads employee engagement and satisfaction efforts. * Partners with HR and program manager on the investigation and resolution of disciplinary matters. Issues discipline, including employee employment termination. * Ensures employees comply with legal requirements and Department policies and procedures. * Audits and approves employee timecards. Reviews and approves time off requests, taking into account staffing coverage and Department policies and procedures. * Effectively develops their direct reports. Provides training and development. Identifies training needs and provides opportunities for growth. Mentors and coaches their staff. * Acts as hiring authority and partners with HR and program manager on recruiting staff. Develops and implements training plans to ensure new staff are properly onboarded and trained. * Assists program manager to allocate program resources such as Department vehicles, training funds, and purchasing dollars. Approves and signs purchase orders. * Reviews and evaluates processes, applying quality tools and techniques for continuous improvement. Creates and maintains process workflows and documentation.   * Forecasts staffing needs and presents them to the program manager. * Provides back-up coverage for Program Manager. * Ensures employees follow all safety policies and procedures, and that safety trainings and requirements are completed. Takes employee in for reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing. * In conjunction with the Program Manager and division leadership, works with attorneys and assigned staff on legal issues. * Facilitates administrative hearings, variances, and waivers. * Oversees the creation of reports, public health advisory information, and public relations materials for education and dissemination to the public. * Analyzes, designs, compiles, records, and assesses data such as performance reports, environmental impact statements, construction plans, etc. * Coordinates with other environmental health programs, agencies, and private industries as needed. * The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program. * Performs other duties as assigned. Safety & Emergency Preparedness * Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices. * Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions. * Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury. * Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency. When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time. Fo a more detailed description of the classification specification click here. * Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs, databases * Intermediate knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to the body of work, including wage and hour law. * Intermediate knowledge of Department policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreement. * Intermediate knowledge of environmental health principles and practices. * Knowledge of program planning and development rules, policies, and procedures. * Skilled in planning, organizing and leading work activities to meet established objectives. * Skilled in coaching, mentoring, training, and educational outreach. * Skilled in analyzing and assessing data. * Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information. * Skilled in communication:  * Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.  * Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.  * Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.  * Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.  * Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.  * Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience. Preferred Experience in the following:  * Leading and supervising a team.  * Washington State Retail Food Safety Regulations. * FDA Retail Food Safety Standardized. * Retail Food Establishment Inspection. * Retail Food Establishment Plan Review. * Staff Training and/or Mentoring. * Code Application and Interpretation. * Accela database. Foundational Competencies * Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards. * Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities. * Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible. * Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement. * Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one's own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department's mission, values, and ethical standards. * Personal Leadership * Manages own time efficiently. * Takes responsibility for outcomes of assigned tasks. * Understands and applies TPCHD Core Values in the workplace. * Displays initiative and works persistently toward Department goals. * Assesses own strengths and weaknesses, and impact on others. * Understands the effects of cumulative stress and uses strategies for self-care and supporting co-workers. * Demonstrates self-confidence and invests in self-development. * Problem Solving: Identifies, analyzes, and develops recommendations to resolve problems of effectiveness and efficiency of program operations.Recognizes and defines problems; analyzes relevant information; encourages innovative solutions and plans to solve problems. * Resilience: Deals effectively with pressure. Remains active and commits to implementing change, despite challenges, recovers quickly from setbacks. Recognizes affects of cumulative stress in self and direct-reports. * Conflict Management: Takes steps to prevent workplace confrontations; manages and resolves disagreement in a constructive manner that minimizes negative impact. * Developing Others: Provides or allows access to formal and informal learning opportunities designed to improve employees' skills and enhance their contribution to the organization. Understands and incorporates various learning styles; takes steps to create a culture of continuous learning. * Supervising Others: Consistently understands and acts in ways accountable to employment laws and regulations, agency policies and procedures; leads effective response to emergency situations. * Decision Making: Makes educated, effective and timely decisions, even when limited information is available; perceives the impact and implications of those decisions. * Delegating: Regularly assigns subordinates to carry out specific activities. Appropriate assignments are made with due consideration to the employees' experience, work capacity and development goals. * Performance Management: Sets clear, realistic and achievable goals for employees; actively monitors employee performance and provides both positive and constructive feedback to create a culture of continuous improvement; participates fully in the organization's review and appraisal process. * Collaboration and Partnering: Builds strong alliances and attempts to find common ground with a wide range of stakeholders; engages in cross-functional activities and collaborates across boundaries. The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge. * Bachelor's degree, preferably in environmental science, public health, or other related science field. * 4 years of experience in an environmental health specialist role. * 2 years of experience as a supervisor or lead required. We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position. Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements We require the following for this classification. * Valid driver's license and acceptable driver's abstract required prior to employment. * Registered Sanitarian (RS)/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Certification or two additional years of experience in an Environmental Health Specialist role. * Completion of required program specific certifications/training (see below) Required Program-Specific Training ProgramRequired Certification or TrainingEstimated Timeframe to CompleteFood and Community SafetyCertified Playground Safety Inspector Certification Program, CPSI | Certification | National Recreation and Park Association OR CPO for Operators - Pool & Hot Tub Alliance OR Certified Food Safety Manager Professional Food Manager Certificate AND FDA- Standardization- Food Safety Inspector- Standardization of Retail Food Safety Inspection Personnel | FDAWithin 2 years of hire Within 1 year of hire Within 1 year of hire Within 3 years of hireNatural and Built EnvironmentAsthma Educator Certification OR Healthy Housing Principles Certification | Building Performance Institute, Inc.Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hireOnsite Sewage and Drinking Water ResourcesWashington State License: On-Site Inspector Certificate of CompetencyWithin 2 years of hireWaste ManagementInstitute of Hazardous Materials Management-Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM ) OR Manager of landfill operation- Solid Waste Association of North America SWANA OR Washington Organic Recycling Council, Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT) OR 40 Hour HAZWOPER CertificateWithin 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire Within 2 years of hire Work Environment * Work is performed in both inside and outside environments. * Inside work exposure hazards are limited to those commonly found in government office environments. * Potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requires skills in conflict resolution and situational awareness. * Work may be performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, snow, and rain, leading to exposure to hazards related to heat or cold exposure. * Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, or waste, which if not handled or disposed of appropriately, could cause significant repercussions to the safety and health of the public. * Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings, such as landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities and other waste management facilities that may have significant odor, noise, visibility and vector issues. * Exposure to loud noises from working around equipment or machinery, generally requiring ear protection. * Additional safety precautions may be required or available for staff use, such as safety glasses, hardhats, or other PPE as appropriate. * Work is up to 100% in person. Physical and Cognitive Demands * Climbing up and down stairs, hills, and short stepladders. * Stooping or bending repeatedly throughout the day while performing skilled and non-skilled work. * Frequently required to perform work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold. * Physical agility and stamina to walk up to 1/4 miles at a time up to 3 miles per day across various surfaces including unlevel ground, uneven ground, stairs, mud, slippery floors, and wooded and brushy areas. * This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. * Regularly required to sit or stand continuously. * Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication, including communicating with dissatisfied or angry individuals. * Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor. * Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper and operate a telephone, computer mouse, keyboard, and touch screen tablet. * Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies and field equipment (listed below). * Operate a motor vehicle in all lighting conditions and various weather conditions, including rain. Trip durations average 15-45 minutes but may be up to 1.5 hours. Daily drive time may be up to 6 hours total. * Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals. * Learn, recall, and apply specialized information. * Regularly maintain awareness of surroundings to identify and address potential safety issues. * Regularly work effectively in the presence of visual, auditory, or other distractions. Tools and Equipment * Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, tablet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.) * May require the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including hard hat, protective clothing, high visibility vests, safety glasses, steel toed work boots, gloves, slip-resistant shoes. * May require the use of field equipment (stakes, drills, sampling equipment, cameras, test kits, thermometers, etc.) Travel * Travel is required (approximately once a month), and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, attend, or provide training. * Driving a vehicle requiring a license. Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.