Shellfish Environmental Sampling Assistant (ES1) DOH9023

Description

Environmental Specialist 1 (ES 1) Environmental Public Health – Office of Environmental Health and Safety Marine Biotoxin Program

This is an in-person position located at our DOH facility in Tumwater, WA. Fieldwork throughout Western Washington is required and is expected to comprise approximately 80% of work time.

Due to the seasonal nature of the work, the position is expected to be part-time (approximately 50%) during the fall, winter, and spring, with hours increasing to full-time (100%) during the summer months.

The Opportunity The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) supports this mission by reducing and preventing human exposure to environmental hazards and disease-causing pathogens associated with wastewater, food safety, schools, and recreational areas. This Environmental Specialist 1 position supports the Marine Biotoxin Program by conducting environmental sampling to monitor marine biotoxins in shellfish and surrounding waters. This preventative work helps the program identify potential health risks and close shellfish harvesting areas when necessary to protect the public from illness. The position involves fieldwork at docks and intertidal beaches throughout Western Washington, sample preparation and transport, data collection, and coordination with program staff, laboratory personnel, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Environmental Sampling: Plan and schedule fieldwork, collect shellfish and phytoplankton samples throughout Western Washington, and record environmental measurements, including temperature and salinity.
• Sample Handling and Quality Assurance: Prepare and transport samples for laboratory testing and conduct quality control and quality assurance of sample results.
• Supply and Inventory Management: Maintain sampling supplies, coordinate inventory needs, and assemble and deliver sampling kits to program partners.
• Partner and Public Engagement: Communicate professionally with shellfish industry members, program partners, and the public during sampling activities, outreach events, and conferences.
• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Role This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to public health protection through hands-on environmental monitoring and fieldwork. Working alongside a collaborative team and program partners, the position helps identify potential marine biotoxin risks and supports timely decisions that protect Washington’s shellfish consumers. The role is well suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, balancing independent field responsibilities with team coordination, and contributing to meaningful environmental health work across Western Washington.

Required Qualifications There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Two (2) years of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol. Option 2: 60 Semester or 90 Quarter hours of relevant coursework in environmental science, biology, marine biology, natural resources, public health, chemistry, or related sciences at an accredited university or college. AND One (1) year of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in tidal, intertidal, or other marine or coastal environments.
• Experience working with shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams, etc.) such as harvesting, handling, or sampling.
• Experience using maps, tide charts, and weather data to plan field work
• Experience working with industry, Tribal, or community partners to conduct outreach.
• Experience reviewing, verifying, or entering sampling or laboratory data, including quality control checks.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, communicate professionally with external partners, and independently organize work to meet program goals and timelines.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including accurate data entry, recordkeeping, inventory management, and completion of required reports and paperwork.

Employee Benefits We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.

About the Washington State Department of Health We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting: The position works in an office environment or teleworks at a computer workstation for extended periods and operates in a frequently time-sensitive environment with competing assignments, deadlines, and occasional emergency response demands. The duty station is Tumwater, WA, with telework expected for most work activities; in-person attendance at DOH offices and engagements throughout the state may be required. Fieldwork includes outdoor sampling at docks, beaches, and shoreline sites throughout Western Washington in varying weather conditions. The position may involve working on or near water and navigating wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky terrain while wearing required protective gear. Duties also include handling live shellfish, seawater, and plankton samples, with potential exposure to marine biotoxins and other biological hazards, requiring adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment.

Schedule: The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break. A flexible schedule may be considered upon request and with supervisor approval following an initial review period. Work may occasionally exceed 40 hours per week and include evenings, weekends, or holidays to meet program needs, reporting deadlines, and sampling schedules determined by tides.

Travel Requirements: The position requires statewide travel to perform essential job functions, which may include overnight or multiple-night stays. The incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or arrange alternative transportation and travel long distances during daylight or nighttime hours and in varying weather conditions, including rain and snow.

Tools and Equipment: The position uses a laptop computer with Microsoft Office and other necessary software, a cell phone, standard office technology, and environmental sampling equipment.

Customer Interactions: The position regularly interacts with internal agency staff, community-based organizations, Tribal partners, and members of the public in support of sampling activities, program coordination, and outreach.

Physical Demands: The position requires lifting and carrying sampling equipment, coolers, supply kits, and shellfish cages weighing up to 50 pounds across uneven terrain and along docks. Duties frequently involve bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting while retrieving cages and collecting samples. The position also requires walking long distances and standing for extended periods on uneven, wet, or sandy terrain, as well as driving for extended periods to transport samples, including at night and in poor weather conditions.

Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

We Encourage You to Apply If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Application Directions To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• Three (3) professional references: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application or attached as a separate document. At least one reference must be a current or recent supervisor.

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH9023. Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts Supplemental Information This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. To be considered, please follow the application instructions and complete all required application materials. Information provided in your supplemental question responses, including education and experience, must be supported by your applicant profile and verifiable.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026