Water Sampler (ES 1) DOH8921

Water Sampler - Environmental Specialist 1 (ES 1)

Environmental Public Health - Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Program (CLPPP)

This is a part-time, permanent position that is home-based (remote) and open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. Fieldwork throughout Washington is required and involves approximately 90% travel. Work hours fluctuate throughout the school year based on school schedules and sampling needs. The schedule is detailed in the Working Conditions section of this post.  

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is committed to protecting and improving the health of people across Washington through equity, innovation, and engagement. Within the Division of Environmental Public Health (EPH), the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences (OEPHS) works to prevent and reduce exposure to environmental health hazards and promote healthy places where people live, work, and play. OEPHS staff help ensure environmental public health programs are grounded in sound science, with a strong focus on environmental justice and climate impacts.

The Opportunity

This position reports to the Environmental Lead Exposure Prevention Supervisor and serves within the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) in the Healthy Homes and Communities Section. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct drinking water sample collection and related activities to assess and reduce childhood lead exposure in schools throughout Washington State.

This role offers the opportunity to directly support healthier learning environments for children across Washington State. The position works closely with schools, program staff, and community partners to identify and reduce lead exposure risks in drinking water while supporting statewide public health prevention efforts.

Key Responsibilities Include

Drinking Water Sampling & Field Work

• Conduct drinking water sample collection in schools following established sampling protocols and procedures. 
• Travel extensively throughout Washington State to perform on-site sampling activities. 
• Coordinate school visits and sampling schedules with school staff and program partners. 
• Maintain sampling supplies, field equipment, and chain-of-custody documentation. 

Data Collection & Program Support

• Accurately document field observations, sampling information, and related records. 
• Support data entry, recordkeeping, and quality assurance activities related to sample collection. 
• Assist with communicating sampling processes and next steps to school personnel. 

Collaboration & Public Health Support

• Work collaboratively with CLPPP staff and environmental public health professionals to support statewide lead exposure prevention efforts. 
• Represent the Department of Health professionally while working in schools and communities. 
• Support program activities that advance environmental justice and equitable public health outcomes. 

Why You’ll Love This Role

This position provides meaningful, hands-on public health work that directly supports safer environments for children and schools across Washington. Team members are part of a collaborative and mission-driven program dedicated to environmental health, prevention, and equity. The role also offers opportunities to build field experience, strengthen public health knowledge, and contribute to impactful statewide initiatives. 

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: College-level coursework in environmental science or a related field and six (6) or more months’ experience in a high-volume customer service position performing tasks that require following detailed procedures. 

Option 2: One (1) year of experience in a high-volume customer service position performing tasks that require detailed procedures.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

Experience will include practical skills in MS Excel for spreadsheet tasks, database management, MS Word for document creation and formatting, and Microsoft Outlook or similar email systems for electronic correspondence/complex scheduling.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Experience following defined protocols for the collection and management of samples as part of a research project or program, including chain of custody documentation.

• Experience conducting field work, environmental sampling, inspections, or other hands-on data collection activities while following established technical protocols and documentation procedures. 
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, communicate professionally with external partners, manage travel logistics, 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 offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health. 

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 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. 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:

• This position requires regular in-person attendance at various locations across Washington State.   However, the official duty station is home-based. When not travelling for work, the incumbent may work from home, a DOH facility, or another remote location. 
  • The role also involves managing multiple priorities and meeting competing deadlines in a frequently high-pressure setting. 
  • Essential duties must be performed with or without accommodation, including lifting and transporting sampler coolers weighing up to 35 pounds. 
  • The job may also require using stairs in K-12 schools

Schedule:

• This position typically requires early morning shifts starting between 4:00am and 5:00am and ending around 10:00am (on average) 3-5 days per week, from Tuesday through Saturday, or as needed to align with school schedules. 
• Additionally, the role includes approximately 8 hours per week of administrative work, and other duties scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on two designated days. 
• From mid- August to late June, work hours average 20 – 35 hours a week, depending on school breaks and schedule when schools are in session. 
• From late June to mid-August, work hours will be minimized to 8 hours per month to maintain benefits, as sampling does not occur during the school summer breaks. 

Travel Requirements:

• Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation. 
• Travel within Washington State is required 3-5 times per week to perform the core functions of the position. This requires multiple overnight stays 2-3 times per month, with a duration of 3-4 nights per stay.
• Travel long distances during darkness and in bad weather, including rain, snow and other adverse weather conditions. 

Tools & Equipment:

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., computer, printer, telephone, etc.)
• Additionally, the position requires an assigned state vehicle and the use of specific sampling equipment (e.g., carts, bottles, ArcGIS software). Sampling supplies must be stored in home or the assigned state vehicle. 

Customer Interactions:

• Build and sustain positive working relationships with schools and their staff by delivering prompt and professional service, maintaining punctuality for all scheduled appointments, and communicating effectively

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. 

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

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

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a 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

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. 

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 Zach Covington at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8921.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. 

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