Environmental Health Manager

Summary

Island County, WA is seeking an Environmental Public Health Manager to oversee a range of essential public health services. This is a vital role that leads a dedicated team protecting the health and safety of our unique island communities through community outreach, education, and the consistent application of applicable regulations. The Environmental Health (EH) Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, fiscal health, technical oversight, and daily operations of all Environmental Health programs. Under the general direction of the Public Health Director, the Environmental Health Manager is responsible for managing, directing, planning, evaluating and coordinating the Environmental Health programs for the Department. The Environmental Health Manager is part of the department’s management team and will advise and implement department policies in consultation with the Director and Deputy Director. Work functions are executed in coordination and collaboration with other divisions, departments, agencies, stakeholders, and community partners. 

Job Duties

• Supervises the day-to-day activity of Environmental Health supervisors and specialists and assigns and coordinates work tasks for efficient, well-coordinated division operations. 
• Manages and coordinates a comprehensive, countywide Environmental Health program. Programs include but are not limited to: Drinking Water, Solid Waste, On-site Sewage, Food Safety, EH Permit Technicians, Zoonotics, & Hydrogeology. 
• Management of permitting software processes and ensuring efficient use and problem-solving.  
• Screens new applicants, interviews candidates, and effectively recommends employee selection to Department Director. Monitors performance and provides effective feedback and conducts performance appraisals. Trains, coaches, and assures staff development and proficiency. 
• As assigned, recruits and oversees professional consultants to achieve department goals and meet priority project timelines. 
• Cultivates a culture of trust and support, fostering professional growth. Leads the department in a service-oriented approach, focusing on educating the public and stakeholders to resolve issues before they escalate. 
• Develops and implements training programs to ensure staff familiarity with statutory requirements and professional standards.  
• Provides leadership and direction to staff to ensure resolution of difficult technical environmental health issues in a timely and professional manner, using proven de-escalation techniques. 
• Operates with a significant amount of discretion within the scope of policy and regulations to ensure the division meets public expectations and statutory deadlines. 
• Develops and maintains working relationships with the State Department of Health, State Department of Ecology, local and regional agencies, and other county departments. Represents Island County Health Department at regional and state meetings and participates in professional organizations. 
• Partners with the Director & Deputy Director to develop and manage the division’s operating budget, ensuring fiscal compliance, revenue monitoring, and the effective administration of grant contracts. 
• Oversees the revision of local regulations and codes to ensure they remain consistent with evolving local, state, and federal requirements. 
• Contributes to long-term policy development and implementation, advising the Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Health, and key stakeholders.  
• Routinely presents to elected officials and key stakeholders to advise on contracts, environmental public health regulations, program delivery, and other topics as assigned. 
• Investigates and resolves the most difficult complaints, employing advanced communication and problem-solving skills to manage interactions with the public, local businesses, development professionals, and other key stakeholders. 
• Acts with the highest standard of ethics, maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity in all community interactions in accordance with RCW 42.52. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, regional and County programs, rules, regulations, procedures and funding sources related to assigned programs, projects, activities and operations. 
• Knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS) and environmental health emergency preparedness practices and principles. 
• Knowledge of modern principles and methods of management for Environmental Health programs. 
• Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate personnel, establishing work performance standards and priorities, assessing to standards, mentoring, and developing a workplace culture of trust and support, where teamwork is essential. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. 
• Use de-escalation and active listening skills effectively to ensure approachability and successful problem-solving. 
• Properly and efficiently document and organize work, maintain paper and electronic files according to standard. 
• This position requires attention to detail and excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Requires sitting and operation of a computer, including keyboard and mouse usage. 
• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, and periodically access both developed and undeveloped properties, including climbing and navigating difficult or steep terrain. 
• Involves talking and hearing in person and via phone; requires close vision and the ability to differentiate colors to read computer monitors and technical environmental maps. 
• Must manage high workloads and deadlines, remain calm in stressful or hostile situations, and adapt to rapid changes in events. 
• Deals with customer stress and deadlines, which may require overtime, flexibility of time. 
• Requires a high standard of accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to use independent judgment on complex scientific and legal issues. 

Education, Experience & Certifications

A bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, geography, toxicology, geology, environmental planning, or related field and at least five (5) years of experience in local or regional environmental public health with at least two (2) years of progressively responsible and relevant supervisory program management experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in public health, geography, environmental planning, toxicology, environmental health or related field with at least five years supervising public health staff. A master’s degree in a relevant field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required general environmental public health experience; however, it may not be substituted for the required two (2) years of supervisory experience. 
• Proven experience managing a diverse team of supervisors or lead staff in a regulatory or public service environment. 
• FEMA emergency preparedness training and certifications. 
• Demonstrated project management experience and certification (PMP certified). 
• Environmental Health Sanitarian (EHS) Certification. 

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *