On-Site Sewage (OSS) Permitting - Health & Environmental Investigator IV

Environmental Health Services Division

Through the work of over 190 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division promotes healthy and equitable environmental conditions and prevents disease through sanitation, safe food, air, and water, and reduction of exposure to hazardous materials. In addition to permitting and inspecting public pools, spas, pet businesses, plumbing installations, on-site septic systems, and solid waste facilities, the division also works in partnership with the community to address unhealthy environmental conditions and leads the department's climate change efforts.

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.

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.

Ensures effective management of the OSS Permitting Program. This position serves with Local Health Officer authority to implement the OSS Program via the King County Board of Health Title 13 On-Site Sewage code.

Maintains subject matter expertise with OSS technologies and industry practices. Serve as a technical expert and advisor. Oversees program appeals, waivers, or other variances. Provides a high level of customer service to solve challenging land use / OSS problems.

Leads and supervises a team of 8 Health & Environmental Investigator IIIs (Protect 17 represented) in implementing the On-Site Sewage code. Establishes clear roles and responsibilities, work plan objectives, and performance evaluations for team members.

Coordinates closely with King County Department of Local Services and other jurisdictional building departments on permitting for building and land use applications.

Oversees recruitment and onboarding of new staff and participates in workforce development planning for program and section and conducts annual performance assessments as assigned.

Works with licensed OSS professionals, architects, partner agencies, and staff to troubleshoot challenging issues and identify pathways forward.

Helps develop and actively participates in the use of data systems to plan and track OSS Permitting work. Oversees program planning, evaluation, and implementation of adaptive management to advance evolving public health needs.

Oversees development and delivery of reports, environmental and public health advisory information, and communications materials for education and dissemination to the public.

Develops and evaluates short and long-range program plans, goals, and objectives. Leads implementation of programmatic changes. Ensure agency, division, and department strategic objectives are reflected in program plans and service delivery.

Collaborates with the OSS O&M Team to help ensure systems are operated and maintained following approved designs and helps respond to failing systems in a timely manner.

Coordin…