Environmental Scientist III
King County
Pioneer Square, WA
Full-time
This job is no longer available.
Job Posting Shared.
Job Posting Reminder Sent.
Salary
$99,008.00 - $125,507.20 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department
DPH - Public Health
Job Number
2023MF18188
Division
Environmental Health Svcs
Closing
3/27/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
The Environmental Health Services Division (EHS), Community Toxics, Science & Policy (CTSP) section is seeking a skilled, knowledgeable, and collaborative individual to fill the key role of Environmental Scientist III in the Hazardous Waste Management Program's (Haz Waste Program's) Research Services team.
This position provides essential technical consultation expertise on lead and other hazardous chemicals in workplaces and residential settings to other staff, agencies, researchers, community organizers, the public, and elected officials. The incumbent is responsible for implementing research functions related to the goals of the Haz Waste Program Plan and Public Health's service agreement with the Program.
One of the primary responsibilities for this position will be to help residents and small businesses adopt safer products and processes. This will involve evaluating the relative hazards of chemicals and products, conducting or modeling chemical exposures, and evaluating other criteria that are essential when considering safer alternatives (e.g., cost, availability, performance, and social impacts).
The position will also have a key role in developing and executing Research team-originated research projects, generating data to support chemical policy development, and establishing collaborations with local, national, and international partners. Example responsibilities include conducting laboratory and field studies to characterize hazards and exposures and using GIS techniques and demographic data analysis to help set program priorities.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. 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. To learn more about EHS, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs .
ABOUT THE HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Haz Waste Program is a coalition of local governments who work collectively towards a shared vision: A Puget Sound region that's the cleanest in the country, free from hazardous chemical exposure." To learn more about the Haz Waste Program, please visit https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov .
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
Job Duties
As an environmental scientist providing support to the Community Toxics, Science & Policy Section and the Haz Waste program, you will devote up to 50% of your time supporting the work of the Residential Services Program while also providing technical support to other projects and teams:
Minimum Qualifications
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.
WHO MAY APPLY
This position is open to all qualified applicants.
WORK SCHEDULE
This full-time position is salary based and exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The normal workweek is Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
WORK LOCATION
This is largely a telecommute position, but you will be expected to be available to work at the program's lab in the Fremont neighborhood area of Seattle, work at the Chinook building and/or King Street Center for program wide coordination, and be able to go to businesses and organizations throughout King County for sampling activities or presentations.
CONTACT
If you have questions about the position, please contact Steve Whittaker at steve.whittaker@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8499.
If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resource Supervisor at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3587.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or Public Health's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$99,008.00 - $125,507.20 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department
DPH - Public Health
Job Number
2023MF18188
Division
Environmental Health Svcs
Closing
3/27/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
The Environmental Health Services Division (EHS), Community Toxics, Science & Policy (CTSP) section is seeking a skilled, knowledgeable, and collaborative individual to fill the key role of Environmental Scientist III in the Hazardous Waste Management Program's (Haz Waste Program's) Research Services team.
This position provides essential technical consultation expertise on lead and other hazardous chemicals in workplaces and residential settings to other staff, agencies, researchers, community organizers, the public, and elected officials. The incumbent is responsible for implementing research functions related to the goals of the Haz Waste Program Plan and Public Health's service agreement with the Program.
One of the primary responsibilities for this position will be to help residents and small businesses adopt safer products and processes. This will involve evaluating the relative hazards of chemicals and products, conducting or modeling chemical exposures, and evaluating other criteria that are essential when considering safer alternatives (e.g., cost, availability, performance, and social impacts).
The position will also have a key role in developing and executing Research team-originated research projects, generating data to support chemical policy development, and establishing collaborations with local, national, and international partners. Example responsibilities include conducting laboratory and field studies to characterize hazards and exposures and using GIS techniques and demographic data analysis to help set program priorities.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. 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. To learn more about EHS, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs .
ABOUT THE HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Haz Waste Program is a coalition of local governments who work collectively towards a shared vision: A Puget Sound region that's the cleanest in the country, free from hazardous chemical exposure." To learn more about the Haz Waste Program, please visit https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov .
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
Job Duties
As an environmental scientist providing support to the Community Toxics, Science & Policy Section and the Haz Waste program, you will devote up to 50% of your time supporting the work of the Residential Services Program while also providing technical support to other projects and teams:
- Assist in the development of data management systems designed to lessen the burden of lead poisoning in children. Using your subject matter expertise, work closely with data architects to ensure that blood lead data and product testing data are managed such that this information can be used to inform interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of this work.
- Help prevent exposures to hazardous chemicals by conducting laboratory-based and field studies. With an emphasis on immigrant and refugee exposures to lead, cleaning products, and degreasers.
- Facilitate community-wide adoption of safer chemicals and products by conducting alternatives assessments in support of small businesses and residents.
- Help ensure the program delivers on its commitments to address racial disparities, including but not limited to using GIS tools (including EJ Mapping) and other demographic data to help set program priorities.
- Establish collaborations with national, state, and local partners to maximize the impact of the work.
- Participate in interagency workgroups.
- Mentor students to support the work and train the next generation of professionals.
- Write reports or issue papers summarizing analysis or research.
- Give oral presentation of findings at conferences and other meetings.
- Provide testimony to elected officials as needed, including but not limited to the Seattle-King County Board of Health and the Washington State Legislature.
- Develop recommendations for strategy and service design.
- Respond to inquiries related to assigned programs or projects.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience in applied research in the fields of environmental science, toxicology, industrial hygiene, environmental chemistry, or closely related field.
- Training and experience developing and conducting lab-based scientific studies, including developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), using scientific instruments (including XRF analyzers), and processing samples for analysis.
- Knowledge of exposure assessment techniques, including industrial hygiene methods and exposure/health surveys
- Familiarity with relational databases, Microsoft Excel, and Power BI. Familiarity with analyzing complex data sets with statistical tools (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS) and using relational databases to link multiple datasets and run queries.
- Ability to clearly express technical material for a non-technical audience orally and in writing, including presentations to groups.
- Knowledge of common information technologies and savvy computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365 (including Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive)
- Demonstrated skills for maintaining positive and productive working relationships, such as patience, flexibility, active listening, resolving conflicts and problem solving. Effective and collaborative participant in multi-disciplinary team meetings or coalitions.
- Experience in managing projects and/or training in project management.
- Experience advising, educating, or working with residents or businesses to change their behavior, particularly with regard to helping them choose safer alternative products and processes.
- Experience using GIS mapping tools to represent environmental health disparities.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in toxicology, public health, environmental science, or closely-related field and/or equivalent education and experience.
- Experience developing policies to prevent hazardous chemical exposure.
- Experience working with BIPOC communities to understand and address environmental- and public health- needs in their communities.
- Valid Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain before hire. Person will need to be able take sample equipment into the field and collect samples.
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.
WHO MAY APPLY
This position is open to all qualified applicants.
WORK SCHEDULE
This full-time position is salary based and exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The normal workweek is Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
WORK LOCATION
This is largely a telecommute position, but you will be expected to be available to work at the program's lab in the Fremont neighborhood area of Seattle, work at the Chinook building and/or King Street Center for program wide coordination, and be able to go to businesses and organizations throughout King County for sampling activities or presentations.
CONTACT
If you have questions about the position, please contact Steve Whittaker at steve.whittaker@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8499.
If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resource Supervisor at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3587.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- NEOGOV/Government Jobs online or paper application.
- Responses to the supplemental questions.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- A letter of interest that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.
Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or Public Health's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- You must be able to perform work duties in an office environment.
- Exposure to individuals from the public who are upset, angry, agitated, and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and de-escalation skills.
- You must be able to lift up to 20 pounds, for example to move sampling equipment, supplies or coolers containing samples. You must also be able to work both in and out of the office, for example in small businesses, residences, or other locations where hazardous materials may be present.
- The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing.
- For more information on our selection process, please refer to http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/jobs.aspx
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
- You may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
- If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of the announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.
- You are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- You are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required trainings on time.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
This job is no longer available.
King County
Pioneer Square, WA