King County, WA
Health and Environmental Investigator I/II
Join to apply for the
Health and Environmental Investigator I/II
role at
King County, WA .
Summary Are you enthusiastic about solid waste, environmental health, and community engagement?
Do you enjoy working in dynamic, meaningful roles that make a difference in people’s lives?
The Environmental Health Services Division – Solid Waste team is currently seeking to fill multiple career‑service positions for
Health & Environmental Investigator (HEI) Level I and Level II .
Placement into HEI Level I or Level II depends upon the qualifications of successful candidates prior to the hire date and is described further in the Qualifications section below.
Come join our team as a HEI I/II and help protect public health while supporting King County businesses, residents, and communities.
As a Solid Waste Generalist, you’ll focus on solid waste facilities, waste compliance, and illegal dumping, while also gaining experience in rodent investigations, biomedical waste, waste screening, pet‑related programs, and more.
In this role, you’ll provide regulatory oversight, conduct inspections, and provide support to residents, businesses, and community partners, helping them comply with regulations and protect public health.
Your work will directly contribute to the programs’ Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) goals while helping us create fair, effective, and inclusive programs that protect public health and serve all communities.
Background Through the work of 190+ dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division’s mission is to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.
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.
We strive for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, effective, and efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.
Our
Solid Waste Team
is at the heart of this work.
We provide regulatory oversight, technical guidance, and community outreach across programs including solid waste facilities, illegal dumping, rodents, biomedical waste, waste screening, pet businesses, and more.
Team members work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to support residents, businesses, and partner agencies, helping to protect public health, ensure compliance, and advance Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) in everything we do — making a tangible difference in our communities every day.
To learn more, please visit
https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs .
Salary Information (Depends On Qualifications)
$38.3776 - $48.6456 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I
$45.3083 - $57.4309 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II
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 .
Work Schedule Typical work schedule for these positions is Monday through Friday.
Occasional evenings, weekend, fieldwork, and work at an office location is required.
This is a Non‑Exempt position and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
Work Location The Solid Waste Team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting.
The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change.
The primary onsite location is at the Chinook Building located at 401 5th Ave, Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104.
Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Job Duties
Provide culturally competent education and technical guidance to businesses, facilities, the media, and the public, helping communities understand and comply with environmental health regulations.
Interpret, explain, and apply complex regulations across solid waste facilities, illegal dumping and rodents, pet‑related businesses, biomedical waste, and other environmental health programs.
Conduct inspections, plan reviews, and investigations to ensure compliance with local and state regulations, identifying risks and promoting safe practices.
Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to resolve complex compliance issues and develop coordinated solutions.
Implement progressive enforcement actions when necessary, including notices, orders, civil penalties, and property liens.
Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate data and records, contributing to reports, outreach efforts, and community education initiatives.
Conduct technical research, shadow senior staff, and support process improvements to enhance program effectiveness and professional growth.
Integrate Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles into all work and support the Environmental Health Division’s strategic goals.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate (Minimum)
Eligibility to take the REHS/RS exam within 1 year of employment, including a Bachelor’s degree (see Licensing/Certification Requirements).
Prior education or experience in one or more environmental health/public health disciplines such as living environment, indoor air, food safety, on‑site wastewater, solid waste management, facility and site evaluation, emergency preparedness, infection control and prevention, disease outbreak investigations, etc.
Ability to communicate and provide information verbally and in writing to the public.
Valid Washington State Driver License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of environmental protection programs, laws, regulations, policies and processes.
Knowledge of environmental health, science and engineering principles.
Ability to interpret and apply environmental health regulations.
Skill and ability to provide customer service to broadly diverse populations.
Knowledge of enforcement techniques and evidence gathering.
Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately.
Skill and ability to engage with the public and business owners tactfully and professionally.
Skill in verbal and written communications.
Ability to demonstrate strong writing skills to create investigation reports, technical reports, and written communications to the public.
Ability to maintain accurate field records (written and photographic) in computer programs and database systems such as Excel.
Skills in using effective conflict management strategies.
Ability to maintain attention to detail while handling time‑sensitive tasks.
Ability to work independently and collaborate as a supportive and effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
Skill in using office software tools effectively for data collection, reporting, and case management.
Desired (Competitive)
Familiarity with conducting and drafting environmental health inspections electronically.
Knowledge of and coursework in environmental science, toxicology, characterization of business waste streams, environmental engineering, and landfill hydrogeology.
Experience with environmental sample handling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and safety procedures for working with hazardous materials.
Background or interest in toxicology and strong research skills.
Training or knowledge in trauma‑informed communications, behavior change, and/or motivational interviewing.
Fluency in one or more non‑English languages most spoken in King County (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali).
Experience with policy development, community engagement, or program improvement initiatives.
Familiarity with Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles and applying them in environmental health work.
Master’s degree in Environmental Health or a related field.
Licensing / Certification Requirements
For HEI II: Registered Sanitarian (RS) certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS) is required at the time of hire.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.
For HEI I: Obtain Registered Sanitarian Certificate within 1 year of hire date from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS).
Valid Washington State driver’s license by time of hire.
Supplemental Information 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.
How to Apply To apply, 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 have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Necessary Special Requirements
The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing.
You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre‑employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
For more information on our selection process, please refer to
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring .
For tips on interviewing, please visit
https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en .
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web‑based enabled tools; therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on‑going work.
Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are required of all Public Health positions.
When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description.
This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
Union Membership This position is represented by the PROTEC17 labor union.
Contact For questions about this recruitment, please contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at
sduckworth@kingcounty.gov .
Benefits 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:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents.
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: eligible King County employees may 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.
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays.
Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves.
Flexible Spending Account.
Wellness programs.
Onsite activity centers.
Employee Giving Program.
Employee assistance programs.
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.
Training and career development programs.
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
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.
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 on the terms and details of the position.
Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
Positions Open to All Qualified Candidates These career service opportunities are open to all qualified candidates.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
NEOGOV Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
Resume (Outlining relevant experience).
Cover Letter (Expressing interest in this position).
All questions regarding language services, accessibility or accommodations are welcome.
If you have questions, please contact the recruiter at the above email address.
Required Attachments Additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process if not outlined as a required application material as provided above.
Applications and supplemental questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Other Information Further information, including detailed descriptions of duties, qualifications and steps needed for application, can be found at the job posting.
Please see the reference links provided previously for more specific details and next steps.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Health and Environmental Investigator I/II
role at
King County, WA .
Summary Are you enthusiastic about solid waste, environmental health, and community engagement?
Do you enjoy working in dynamic, meaningful roles that make a difference in people’s lives?
The Environmental Health Services Division – Solid Waste team is currently seeking to fill multiple career‑service positions for
Health & Environmental Investigator (HEI) Level I and Level II .
Placement into HEI Level I or Level II depends upon the qualifications of successful candidates prior to the hire date and is described further in the Qualifications section below.
Come join our team as a HEI I/II and help protect public health while supporting King County businesses, residents, and communities.
As a Solid Waste Generalist, you’ll focus on solid waste facilities, waste compliance, and illegal dumping, while also gaining experience in rodent investigations, biomedical waste, waste screening, pet‑related programs, and more.
In this role, you’ll provide regulatory oversight, conduct inspections, and provide support to residents, businesses, and community partners, helping them comply with regulations and protect public health.
Your work will directly contribute to the programs’ Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) goals while helping us create fair, effective, and inclusive programs that protect public health and serve all communities.
Background Through the work of 190+ dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division’s mission is to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.
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.
We strive for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, effective, and efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.
Our
Solid Waste Team
is at the heart of this work.
We provide regulatory oversight, technical guidance, and community outreach across programs including solid waste facilities, illegal dumping, rodents, biomedical waste, waste screening, pet businesses, and more.
Team members work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to support residents, businesses, and partner agencies, helping to protect public health, ensure compliance, and advance Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) in everything we do — making a tangible difference in our communities every day.
To learn more, please visit
https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs .
Salary Information (Depends On Qualifications)
$38.3776 - $48.6456 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I
$45.3083 - $57.4309 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II
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 .
Work Schedule Typical work schedule for these positions is Monday through Friday.
Occasional evenings, weekend, fieldwork, and work at an office location is required.
This is a Non‑Exempt position and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
Work Location The Solid Waste Team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting.
The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change.
The primary onsite location is at the Chinook Building located at 401 5th Ave, Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104.
Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Job Duties
Provide culturally competent education and technical guidance to businesses, facilities, the media, and the public, helping communities understand and comply with environmental health regulations.
Interpret, explain, and apply complex regulations across solid waste facilities, illegal dumping and rodents, pet‑related businesses, biomedical waste, and other environmental health programs.
Conduct inspections, plan reviews, and investigations to ensure compliance with local and state regulations, identifying risks and promoting safe practices.
Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to resolve complex compliance issues and develop coordinated solutions.
Implement progressive enforcement actions when necessary, including notices, orders, civil penalties, and property liens.
Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate data and records, contributing to reports, outreach efforts, and community education initiatives.
Conduct technical research, shadow senior staff, and support process improvements to enhance program effectiveness and professional growth.
Integrate Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles into all work and support the Environmental Health Division’s strategic goals.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate (Minimum)
Eligibility to take the REHS/RS exam within 1 year of employment, including a Bachelor’s degree (see Licensing/Certification Requirements).
Prior education or experience in one or more environmental health/public health disciplines such as living environment, indoor air, food safety, on‑site wastewater, solid waste management, facility and site evaluation, emergency preparedness, infection control and prevention, disease outbreak investigations, etc.
Ability to communicate and provide information verbally and in writing to the public.
Valid Washington State Driver License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of environmental protection programs, laws, regulations, policies and processes.
Knowledge of environmental health, science and engineering principles.
Ability to interpret and apply environmental health regulations.
Skill and ability to provide customer service to broadly diverse populations.
Knowledge of enforcement techniques and evidence gathering.
Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately.
Skill and ability to engage with the public and business owners tactfully and professionally.
Skill in verbal and written communications.
Ability to demonstrate strong writing skills to create investigation reports, technical reports, and written communications to the public.
Ability to maintain accurate field records (written and photographic) in computer programs and database systems such as Excel.
Skills in using effective conflict management strategies.
Ability to maintain attention to detail while handling time‑sensitive tasks.
Ability to work independently and collaborate as a supportive and effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
Skill in using office software tools effectively for data collection, reporting, and case management.
Desired (Competitive)
Familiarity with conducting and drafting environmental health inspections electronically.
Knowledge of and coursework in environmental science, toxicology, characterization of business waste streams, environmental engineering, and landfill hydrogeology.
Experience with environmental sample handling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and safety procedures for working with hazardous materials.
Background or interest in toxicology and strong research skills.
Training or knowledge in trauma‑informed communications, behavior change, and/or motivational interviewing.
Fluency in one or more non‑English languages most spoken in King County (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali).
Experience with policy development, community engagement, or program improvement initiatives.
Familiarity with Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) principles and applying them in environmental health work.
Master’s degree in Environmental Health or a related field.
Licensing / Certification Requirements
For HEI II: Registered Sanitarian (RS) certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS) is required at the time of hire.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.
For HEI I: Obtain Registered Sanitarian Certificate within 1 year of hire date from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the Washington State Environmental Health Association (WSBRS).
Valid Washington State driver’s license by time of hire.
Supplemental Information 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.
How to Apply To apply, 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 have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Necessary Special Requirements
The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing.
You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre‑employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
For more information on our selection process, please refer to
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring .
For tips on interviewing, please visit
https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en .
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web‑based enabled tools; therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on‑going work.
Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are required of all Public Health positions.
When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description.
This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
Union Membership This position is represented by the PROTEC17 labor union.
Contact For questions about this recruitment, please contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at
sduckworth@kingcounty.gov .
Benefits 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:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents.
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: eligible King County employees may 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.
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays.
Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves.
Flexible Spending Account.
Wellness programs.
Onsite activity centers.
Employee Giving Program.
Employee assistance programs.
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.
Training and career development programs.
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
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.
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 on the terms and details of the position.
Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
Positions Open to All Qualified Candidates These career service opportunities are open to all qualified candidates.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
NEOGOV Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
Resume (Outlining relevant experience).
Cover Letter (Expressing interest in this position).
All questions regarding language services, accessibility or accommodations are welcome.
If you have questions, please contact the recruiter at the above email address.
Required Attachments Additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process if not outlined as a required application material as provided above.
Applications and supplemental questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Other Information Further information, including detailed descriptions of duties, qualifications and steps needed for application, can be found at the job posting.
Please see the reference links provided previously for more specific details and next steps.
#J-18808-Ljbffr