EHS III (Onsite/Land-Use/Water Recreation Program Manager)

Summary Description: The primary purpose of the Environmental Health Specialist III (Program Manager) is to protect the public and prevent the contamination to ground and surface water sources. This position will be involved in regulating onsite septic systems, the drinking water program, water recreation program and the land-use programs. They are the primary contact with the state regarding Onsite, Drinking Water and Water Recreation Programs and are also responsible for updating forms, documents, rule revisions, website, application process, establishing guidelines, and training personnel. To ensure the highest level of services are provided, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed and may include cross-functional responsibilities. 

Primary role in updating forms, documents, rule revisions, website, application process, establishing guidelines, and training personnel. Primary role in operating the Installer Licensing Program, O&M Program, and septic pumper program. Lead role in Environmental Health Program meetings and Onsite staff meetings.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): 

Supervisor Role

1. Interpret and implement WAC 246-272A in operating the Onsite/Land-Use Program. 
2. Manage EHS inspectors and support staff to effectively operate the program in an efficient and consistent manner through inspection scheduling, processing of applications, and the proper review of applications. 
3. Maintain and update policies and procedures, ensure accurate information - online and other resources are available to the general public. 
4. Work with county officials and state agencies to ensure effective processes are developed to help ensure the flow of work that involves both of our departments. 
5. Monitor and improve the Licensed Installer program, Licensed Septic Pumpers, and Licensed O&M Providers. 
6. Conduct periodic meetings, annual evaluations, and provide additional information, reports or updates regarding Onsite/Land-Use/Water Recreation Programs to the Administrator and other state agencies. Provide training to staff on a periodic basis.
7. Oversee Environmental Health program software systems, including serving as the program lead for system configuration, functionality, user access, data accuracy, and workflow improvements. Coordinate with Administration, Fiscal, and Information Technology staff to ensure software systems support program operations, maintain accurate billing and reporting processes, comply with regulatory requirements, and align with District fiscal practices. 

Onsite - Septic program 

1. Provide consultation and conduct research services to clients, installers, Designers, and other industry professionals. 
2. Conduct reviews of Onsite program applications, which include the following: 
   1. New Construction
   2. Intermediate (Very Large septic systems)
   3. Private Water Reviews 
   4. Repairs, Tank Replacement or Tank only Installation
   5. Project Reviews, Re-Designs, Soil Evaluations, Connecting to Existing Systems, and Permit Reactivation (permit renewals)
3. Issue septic system permits, provide waiver approvals, conduct inspections of installed septic systems, provide approvals of permits and reviews to the county, in some cases, the state. 
4. Conduct complaint inspections regarding septic systems, compose and issue violation letters, provide enforcement of unresolved violations. 

Drinking Water Program

1. Provide consultation and conduct research services to clients, installers, Designers, other industry professionals, and water system managers and/or operators. 
2. Conduct reviews of Drinking Water Program (Public Water System) applications, which included the following: 
   1. New Group B Public Water System, Well Site inspection (Public Water System)
   2. Group B System review - Expanding or Modification, Well site Variance Review. 
3. Conduct well site inspections, Issue approval letters, waiver approvals, and Facilitate Group B system approval with the state. 
4. Coordinate and conduct Sanitary Survey Inspections for Group A public water systems. Complete sanitary survey reports within mandated time frame, provide Level 1 or II assessments with Group A Water Systems when requested by the state.

Land-use Program

1. Provide consultation and conduct research services to clients, industry professionals, engineering firms, businesses, developers, Designers. 
2. Conduct Land-Use reviews submitted by county and city for land-use projects that include the following: 
   1. Subdivisions
   2. Short Plats, Major (Long) Plats
   3. Conditional Use Permits
   4. Plat alterations
   5. Commercial Building Projects
   6. Other Land use projects. 
3. Provide Review letters (memos) for initial reviews, blue line reviews, sometimes 2nd blue line reviews. 
4. Assist with additional applications through the Onsite program to satisfy conditions for a proposal when necessary. 
5. Correspond with county/city officials regarding these project proposals. 
6. Sign completed Mylars when proposals have met all conditions set forth by the county/city.

Water Recreation Program

1. Provide consultation and conduct research services to clients, industry professionals, pool owners, managers, and operators, and the general public.
2. Conduct routine, pre-opening, follow -up and complaint inspections of water recreation facilities, which include public pools, spas, splash pools, and water parks to protect the public health. 
3. Work with the state to administer the program (via contract). 
4. Occasionally required to assist the Food Program with Temporary Events including inspection of food vendors on the weekends.
5. Performs routine case work such as inspection, permitting and regulation enforcement in food service, water recreation facilities, schools, group camps, solid waste facilities, on-site wastewater, and land-use.
6. Reports violations and poor practices to the owner/operator in person and by correspondence, and to the District by maintaining public records of the conditions observed and the actions taken.
7. Consults with the owner/operator to devise ways of improving conditions and practices to avoid further problems.
8. Takes enforcement actions by means of compliance letters, re-inspections, probation inspections, assists in preparing Notices of Violation, and assessment of fines, testimony at enforcement hearings and legal proceedings, and in preparing materials for court actions. Public health problems and violations requiring enforcement action come in a wide range of potential consequences and difficulty of resolution. The organizational level appropriate to assume primary responsibility will differ from case to case. While both an EHS I and II participate, an EHS II or III is more likely to take the lead in preparation of Notices of Violation, Departmental Orders, Agreed Orders, assessments of fines and permit revocations; however, signature authority lies with the Environmental Health Director. An EHS I, II or III may issue orders to stop work or refrain from use as necessary to address imminent public health hazards.
9. Reviews plans for construction and operation of facilities, corresponding with operators and other agencies, and conducting on-site pre-opening, routine, follow-up, enforcement, probation, complaint and illness investigation inspections.
10. Provides community education, food worker and other licensee education, and provides technical information to the public. Verifies that educational opportunities are available to outlying areas.
11. Maintains database on permitted establishments for budgeting, billing, and reports on inspection frequency, violations and compliance. Uses databases to schedule inspection according to goals and enforcement schedules.
12. Coordinates activities with appropriate local agencies and state departments of Health and Ecology.
13. Investigates potential causes of illness from environmental factors affecting the public. Analyzes known information regarding bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and environmental conditions causing illness. Responds to immediate health hazards by assisting in the development of press releases and providing technical assistance.
14. Interprets and applies applicable local, state and federal regulations and policies to specific cases. Gathers and interprets technical information for cases not clearly covered in regulations and policies.
15. May assist and serve as a resource for EH personnel and/or interns. Represents the District at the case level to the public and other agencies.
16. Review and makes recommendations on requests for variances from the regulations.
17. Supervise EH I and EH II positions, this includes monitoring of staff schedules, work quantity and quality, periodic evaluation of staff performance, and progress toward program goals and purposes.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to work independently and manage personal work schedule to complete time sensitive work assignments.
• College-level understanding of the principles of chemistry, biochemistry physiology, cellular biology, toxicology, environmental sciences, geology, hydrology, epidemiology, risk assessment, risk communication, and environmental law.
• Understanding of the risk factors, exposure routes, and toxicological effects of those materials and chemicals commonly found in permitted facilities.
• Knowledge of the Chelan-Douglas Health Code as applied to Environmental Health programs.
• Knowledge of legal due process requirements in EH enforcement.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in a wide variety of circumstances and to people of differing levels of understanding.
• Ability to communicate with angry people and use conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in word processing and database programs.
• General knowledge of worksite safety issues and use of personal protective equipment
• Ability to effectively supervise EHS II, EHS I and support staff positions. Ability to identify problems and successes in meeting program goals and objectives, and the ability to effectively address program improvements and challenges.
• Excels at working in a team. Is patient and objective in difficult situations and with different types of people. Able to influence others to get “onboard” with company initiatives. As unique situations arise, be sensitive to company needs as well as colleagues and other internal personnel.
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume regulated environment, highly proficient organizational skills and keen attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve and effectively and efficiently make decisions. 
• Improves the company’s overall effectiveness by developing and implementing solutions and applying continuous improvement practices to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure ethical conduct at all times. Act with integrity and honesty, abide by all HR principles and objectives including confidentiality, projecting a positive impression of the company and maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
• Continue own education by staying informed of industry trends, learning new skills and sharing relevant information with others. Take advantage of professional development activities when possible. 
• Ensure that the time and attendance policy is being adhered to.
  • Ensure overtime is monitored and team members are scheduled according to operational needs. Minimize overtime when possible.
  • Ensure that all working hours, including overtime, have been approved and recorded accurately and truthfully for each time period worked.

Level Requirements (Minimum): 

Education

• Four-year degree in Environmental Health, Public Health or a related science required
• Registered on-site wastewater inspector license for Washington State (must obtain within a year in the position) 
• Registered Pool & Spa Operator Certificate 
• Valid Washington State driver's license or ability to obtain one within two weeks of date of hire.
• Possession of Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian certification.

Experience

• ‪ Minimum of five (5) years of full proficiency experience as an EHS II or the equivalent.

• Strong computer knowledge required including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Current knowledge of EHP programs and ability to learn programs as required. Able to effectively maintain written and computer records in accordance with regulatory agencies. 
• Ability to Pass a criminal background check
• Per the Governor’s Proclamation 21-14, CDHD requires a COVID vaccination for in-person business. Therefore, all employees are required to present proof of vaccination status upon hire, except as required by law.

**A combination of education, training, and experience which has provided theoretical and practical knowledge will be evaluated for equivalency.

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Work involves repetitive manipulation of office equipment and the ability to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment; able to remain stationary at a computer or while driving for extended periods of time and move around their assigned workspace.
• Frequently move up to 25 pounds and occasionally move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be able to work within different temperature changes, indoors to outdoors in all weather conditions; moving between buildings and working around moving equipment/machines; occasionally ascend/descend a ladder or stairs as required.
• Work locations may include rough terrain, steep slopes, sewage and other locations that are difficult to access to conduct inspections and assessments.
• Occasionally maneuver through remote, wet/muddy and snow covered landscapes.
• Frequently required to conduct pool and spa inspections in humid environments, including machine/pump rooms. 
• Evening and weekend work occasionally required.
• Occasional exposure to moving objects and parts; Occasional exposure to pool/spa chemicals, extreme heat and/or cold and slippery floors; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• May require day travel during all seasons. 
• Required PPE, facial mask