About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Community Health (Public Health).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Compensation & Employment Type

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position based in Walla Walla, WA.

• Salary ranges (provided by our client):
  • Environmental Health Specialist I: $4,887 to $6,548 per month (annual: $58,644 — $78,576)
  • Environmental Health Specialist II: $5,355 to $7,180 per month (annual: $64,260 — $86,160)
• Benefits: employer medical/dental/vision contribution, retirement plan (state DRS), HRA/Veba potential contribution, wellness program, MetLife pet insurance access, deferred compensation plans, 12 paid holidays, vacation accrual based on seniority, sick leave accrual per county policy.
• Status: Open until filled.

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Summary of the Role

The Environmental Health Specialist I/II performs professional environmental health inspection, evaluation and enforcement duties to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The role enforces a broad range of environmental health programs including food protection, on-site sewage, drinking water supplies, solid waste handling, schools and pools, vector control, and communicable disease investigation. Strong public contact skills are required to explain legal and administrative requirements and to promote voluntary compliance and health education.

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Key Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, investigations and compliance evaluations across environmental health programs (food safety, on-site sewage, drinking water, solid waste, pools, schools, vectors, epidemiology).
• Prepare inspection reports, document findings and enforce regulations through education, notices and follow-up.
• Perform sanitary surveys of public water systems and inspect on-site wastewater systems where applicable.
• Respond to complaints and coordinate with other public agencies and department staff.
• Provide health education to businesses, schools and the public.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and case files.
• For EHS II: may act in a lead capacity or supervise staff in the absence of the Division Manager.

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Minimum Qualifications

EHS I

• Bachelor of Science from an accredited college/university majoring in environmental health, sanitary science, bacteriology, public health, biology or closely related science.
• At least 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours in basic or natural sciences.
• Entry-level position; previous EHS experience is not required. Employee is expected to meet EHS II requirements within three years of hire.

EHS II

• Bachelor of Science in the fields above with required science coursework (30 semester / 45 quarter hours).
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as an Environmental Health Specialist I or equivalent.

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Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements

• Must successfully pass a background check and driving record check.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the client’s insurance provider; access to a vehicle and proof of liability insurance required.
• Provide documentation of immunization status or applicable exemption and participate in the employee health program.
• EHS I: obtain required certifications/registrations within three years of hire as specified by the state.
• EHS II: required certifications/registrations at time of hire and maintain compliance with Washington State standards, including but not limited to:
  • Registration as a Sanitarian with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians.
  • Certificate of Competency as an On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Inspector (if applicable) — must be obtained within two years for on-site sewage program staff.
  • Certification by the State Department of Health to conduct public water system sanitary surveys (if applicable).
• Must not use tobacco products or electronic vaping devices while in the position as required by policy.

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Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Mixture of office and field work; fieldwork may occur outdoors in variable weather and terrain.
• Ability to drive and travel as required; occasional air travel possible.
• Ability to lift and carry 25–40 pounds.
• Tolerance for environmental conditions (odors, animals, decaying matter, tobacco smoke).
• Mobility to navigate uneven surfaces and new building sites.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to use computers and laboratory/inspection equipment.
• Sufficient hearing and speech to communicate effectively.

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Selection Process & Pre-employment Conditions

Selection is based on qualifications, background check, driving record check and oral interviews. Our client requires submission of an application, resume and cover letter. Applicants may be asked to provide proof of education, certifications and immunization status.

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Why Join Our Client

• Meaningful public-sector work protecting community health in Walla Walla, WA.
• Competitive salary ranges for both entry and experienced specialists.
• Robust benefits package with significant employer medical contribution and retirement plan participation.
• Opportunities for professional development, certification support and growth to higher-level responsibilities.

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Keywords & Search Optimization (for candidates)

Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist I, Environmental Health Specialist II, public health sanitarian, food safety inspector, on-site sewage inspector, drinking water sanitary surveys, Walla Walla WA.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.