Environmental Health Manager - Health Department

Salary : $84,444.00 - $105,552.00 Annually
Location : Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-082
Department: Health and Human Services
Opening Date: 12/19/2023
Job Description
General Position Summary:
This position directs and supervises the activities, programs, projects, and personnel in the Environmental Health sections of Health and Human Services. Manages the on-site sewage disposal program, solid waste management permitting, monitoring and enforcement, drinking water and environmental water quality programs, food and water recreation safety programs, and the vector/zoonotic program. Develops and implements policies and procedures for Environmental Health programs to ensure efficient program administration and enforcement, following applicable legal guidelines and mandates. Collaborates and consults with the other department managers when activities overlap.
This is a fully in-person position, remote work is not available.
Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
Job Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee, administer, and conduct enforcement of Environmental Health code-related regulations and procedural requirements. Ensure firm but fair application of code and regulations. Oversee the maintenance of project and case records.
2. Develop and oversee the implementation of ordinances and code related regulation programs and practices.
3. Collaborate and consult with property/business owners, architects, engineers, designers, plumbers, installers, and other community members regarding Environmental Health regulations, permits, and compliance.
4. Educate and collaborate with food establishments regarding food safety regulations, permits, and compliance.
5. Administer, monitor, and evaluate solid waste disposal sites in the county as required by state mandates.
6. Oversee the administration of Environmental Health grant programs in the department.
7. Develop and implement appropriate public education programs and materials and facilitate understanding and compliance with environmental policies and procedures.
8. Represent the county and the department at local, state and federal agencies and other organizations regarding matters of interest to Cowlitz County. Prepare reports and evidence to serve as expert witness in hearings and court cases.
9. Direct and supervise staff in the Environmental Health section of the department. Delegate duties, approve leave, evaluate performance, and conduct coaching, counseling, and discipline. Involved in the hiring, suspension, and termination processes.
10. Coordinate and attend training, conferences, and other events to ensure up to date skills and knowledge for the proper execution of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Monitor, analyze and brief staff on relevant legal issues of interest or legislation that affect the procedures followed and services provided by Environmental Health.
11. Collaborate with the department's finance staff when requested on matters related to budget, revenue, expenditures, contracts, and grants.
12. Represent the department in Board of County Commissioner/Board of Health meetings when requested.
13. Monitor program operations for compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, and with county and department policies and procedures; monitor, develop and implement contract work plans and statements of work.
14. Actively participate in the citizen advisory groups formed at the county level as a result of public health and social services, or as requested by the Director/Deputy Director.
15. Understand and promote the mission, vision, and goals of the department; provide courteous, respectful, efficient customer service in all settings; honor diversity of all staff and constituents.
16. Transfer knowledge, research and best practices to staff, other members of the HHS Leadership Team, and community providers; apply management and supervisory skills; monitor program grants and contracts; assess needs, coordinate and collaborate with other members of the HHS Leadership Team and staff in applicable programs.
17. Oversee the investigation of complaints from the public. Ensure the resolution of complaints through support and education, with enforcement as the last resort.
18. Serve as a duty officer in the 24/7 duty officer rotation for the department.
19. Organize and conduct regular Environmental Health staff meetings. Attend and participate in department meetings.
20. Coordinate training for staff to ensure continuous skills and knowledge development.
21. Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Geology, Soils Science, Biology, Civil or Sanitary Engineering or related field.
2. Possess and maintain from the State of Washington an On-site Wastewater Designer License or Inspector Certificate, or Registered Sanitarian in State of Washington.
3. Possess and maintain certification from the State of Washington as a landfill manager or able to obtain it within six (6) months of employment.
4. Five (5) years of experience in the area of Environmental Health or a closely related field, which must include two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
5. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Supplemental Information
Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Possess an advanced level of interpretative knowledge in Environmental Health.
2. Ability to handle and attain the essential job functions independently as well as being able to work well in a team environment.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills. Establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other county employees, other agencies staff and community members. Effectively relay instructions, explanations, and provide training.
4. Skilled in modern supervision practices and techniques.
5. Able to organize and prioritize work in order to effectively work in a multi-task and busy work environment with demands from multiple sources and projects. Efficiently work in a demanding and political environment
6. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Make effective presentations to individuals and large group audiences.
7. Possess research skills, ability to analyze data, and arrive at conclusions. Able to make recommendations and propose plans of action, even with controversial issues.
8. Able to exercise judgement and discretion of sensitive or confidential matters.
9. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.