Sampling Specialist: Lead in School Drinking Water (HSC1) part-time/project DOH8018

Make a difference. 

Based in the Healthy Homes and Communities Section and reporting to the Childhood Environmental Lead Exposure Prevention Unit Supervisor, this role supports the unit’s goal of reducing childhood lead exposure in Washington State. It primarily aids the Lead in School Drinking Water Program by facilitating sampling events and implementing the two-year sampling plan.

Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, coordinating with school officials, managing sampling logistics, ensuring quality assurance, and conducting sampler training. Collaboration with a diverse team including water samplers, epidemiologists, and school partners is essential. The position serves as a key point of contact between the Department of Health and schools, aiming to foster lasting relationships to reduce childhood lead exposure.

This part-time project Health Services Consultant 1 (HSC1) position is currently funded through September 30, 2024.  It is anticipated that the project funding will be extended until September 30, 2026

Candidates may be located anywhere within the State of Washington and are considered home-based. A combination of 30% in-office/fieldwork and 70% telework is currently expected. The work will be performed primarily indoors in either a home-based office or conducting fieldwork across Washington state, doing water sampling in schools. Travel can be expected to be weekly. 

Work that matters

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices. 

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH  

We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.   

Our Ideal Candidate 

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understand how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 

Required Qualifications 

Experience defined below 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: Associate’s degree or higher, including college-level course work in in public health, health sciences, environmental sciences, education, or other closely allied field; AND one (1) year or more years of experience in following defined protocols for the collection and management of samples as part of a research project or program, including chain of custody documentation.

Option 2: Three (3) or more years of professional experience in public health, government, environmental sciences, education (or closely allied field) performing tasks that require following defined protocols for the collection and management of samples, including chain of custody documentation.

AND for both options:

One (1) year of customer service experience that includes communicating with diverse audiences with differing levels of knowledge, interest, and risk

Desired Qualifications 

• Water sampling experience.
• Experience working with schools and school governing bodies.

Application Process

Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without personal pictures).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (transcripts, social security number, year of birth, etc.).   

Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   

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 prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 

If you have questions or need other assistance please contact Andrea Thieme at andrea.thieme@doh.wa.gov or (360) 918-6601 For persons with disabilities, this document is available in other formats. Please call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711) or email doh.information@doh.wa.gov. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions

With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work a full-time 40-hour work week and occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and supervisor approval.
• Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments as assigned.