Job Summary

The Environmental Public Health (EPH) Director (Program Manager III) leads and manages the ongoing development and implementation of environmental health programs and services with integrity, professionalism, positivity, dedication, and compassion. This is an executive leadership team role that reports to the Health Officer/Administrator, and oversees five program managers with over 40 subordinate staff members.

The division manager stays current with emerging public health issues, environmental impacts, environmental equity, and evidence-based, best practices to address issues; remains well informed of local, state, and national regulations to properly educate, enforce, and protect the health of the community; identifies and implements proactive approaches to maintain and improve community health.

This recruitment will be open until a sufficient number of applications are received. First review of applications is expected to This posting may close on or after September 17 without additional notice.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental health, or related field required. Advanced degree in public health or related field preferred.

• Minimum eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in environmental and/or public health required; three (3) years of the required experience must be at a managerial level with supervisory responsibilities.  Strongly prefer experience managing managers.

• Five (5) years environmental health experience preferred; experience conducting regulatory inspections highly desired.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated experience in the administration and implementation of programs, including developing strategic plans, work plans, budgets and project management.

• Ability to organize projects, communicate and delegate tasks, and engage and motivate among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, frequently under deadline pressure.

• Ability to identify emerging issues and potential impacts, then gather and distill information/data for presentation to decision makers that allows for an informed decision to be made.

• Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and sustain cooperative, professional relationships with a variety of local, state, and regional organizations including governmental and regulatory agencies, industry and community-based organizations.

• Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.

• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. High level of analytical ability required to identify, develop, and select alternative solutions to complex issues.

• Skilled in employee management including supervision, training, team building, and conflict management.

• Demonstrated financial management skills; knowledge of practices and procedures for planning and formulating departmental budget and monitoring related expenses.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work with a high level of detail. Skilled in writing and maintaining accurate records, reports, and plans to meet management objectives.

• Skilled in various software packages and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices and values of public health, including social justice, social determinants of health, and racial equity in public health practice.

• Concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on the health of oppressed communities, including their impact on environmental exposure.

• The principles and practices of public sector organization and program operations; contemporary management theories, practices and techniques in each of the functional areas which falls within current or potential responsibilities of the position;

• Underlying causes of health inequities, including the connection between racism, classism, ableism, sexism, other “isms” and health, including the risk for exposure to environmental hazards and inequitable response to public health emergencies.

• The principles of environmental justice; project management, including planning, scheduling, monitoring, and problem solving;

• Key components of cultural competency; awareness of differences, attitude to examine beliefs and values, knowledge of differences and skills to effectively and appropriately work across cultures.

• Analysis and evaluation of policies, procedures, public information, and service delivery issues;

• Local and state lawmaking processes;

• Research methods and techniques;

• Trends and practices within environmental public health; and

• Personal computer applications and usage.

Ability to: 

• Provide strong leadership, management, and administration.

• Motivate, encourage, support, and coach staff to optimum performance.

• Analyze financial data.

• Work effectively in a political environment; implement facilitative leadership.

• Carry out policy directives in an effective and timely manner; communicate and listen effectively

• Plan, direct and effectively supervise the work of professional, technical and support staff;

• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff;

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and formulate recommendations;

• Interpret and explain policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;

• Establish and maintain effective and supportive working relationships with staff, the public, policy makers, other government jurisdictions, contractors, community agencies, and other county staff.

• Mediate difficult working relationships.

• Express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

• Use a personal computer and a variety of software to accomplish job functions.

• Respectfully and effectively work with diverse populations and individuals.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties

• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave.  In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.
• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
• Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and has access to reliable transportation.
• Must adhere to the Department employee immunity policy and provide documents as requested.
• Ensures the development, implementation and maintenance  of a variety of environmental health programs to meet the current and projected needs of Clark County and the Public Health Department.
• Serves as a member of the Leadership Team for the Department. Assumes responsibility for overall direction and strategic planning of EPH services. Advises the Public Health Director in matters concerning program objectives, program concerns, emerging issues, environmental and public health trends, and environmental services needs and gaps within the community.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates strategic planning initiatives and the necessary resources to accomplish those plans in accordance with the Department's mission, vision, and values.
• Directs program operations within the EPH Division, including Drinking Water, Onsite Septic Permitting, Onsite Septic Operation & Maintenance, Hazard Assessment, Pollution Prevention Assistance, Solid Waste Enforcement, Water Recreation, School Health & Safety, Solid Waste Operations, Solid Waste Environmental Outreach, and Food Safety.
• Responsible for the implementation and oversight of policies, procedures, objectives, and evaluation criteria for each program area; monitors and evaluates ongoing programs to assess program effectiveness, quality of service, and cost justification. Ensures critical deadlines are established and maintained.
• Ensures compliance with and enforcement of the environmental health laws, rules, and regulations of the Washington State Department of Health, the Clark County Board of Health, and the Clark County Public Health Department. Provides direction to staff and makes recommendations to leadership regarding interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies and procedures for legal enforcement. Ensures proper implementation of the methods, techniques, and procedures utilized in investigation, analysis, evaluation, and enforcement of environmental standards.
• Ensures that programs within the Environmental Public Health Division work collaboratively to protect the public’s health, including the health and well-being of disenfranchised, underserved populations and the entire community.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates professional, technical, and administrative personnel. Participates in hiring and disciplinary process. Identifies current and future staff development needs and training opportunities. Models professionalism and respectful support  to department managers and staff.
• Responsible for proactive and timely responses to emerging issues and public health topics by establishing clear priorities and mobilizing necessary staff and resources.
• Collaborates with the Office of Communication staff to inform and educate the community.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports and statistical information; presents to County and state leadership, and other outside agencies.
• Establishes and manages the Division's operating budget ensuring compliance with policies and procedures of the Department, reviews monthly revenue and expense reports and mentors program managers in areas of grant and budgeting management.  Attends all monthly grants, contracts and finance meetings with program managers.
• Reviews and proposes changes of environmental health fees to the Board of Health annually.
• Reviews or develops and oversees EPH Division grants, contracts, and memoranda of understanding to ensure performance objectives are met.
• Monitors proposed state and federal legislation and regulations and provides input to Washington State Department of Health, Clark County Board of Health, and professional associations.
• Develops strong community partnerships to address environmental health issues. Coordinates activities and collaborates with other County departments and divisions, state agencies, and community service groups; represents the Department on community and state advisory boards and participates in various Department and community committees or special projects, particularly as they relate to environmental health.
• Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities. Promotes public health within the community.
• Develops strong community partnerships to address environmental health issues, including racial equity/environmental justice
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.

Salary Grade

M2.831

Salary Range

$7,693.00 - $10,867.00- per month

About Clark County

With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy.Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live.Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home. Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people.You can get more information about job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.

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