Shellfish Environmental Sampling Assistant (ES1) DOH9023

Description Environmental Specialist 1 (ES 1)

Environmental Public Health – Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Marine Biotoxin Program

This is an in-person position located at our DOH facility in Tumwater, WA. Fieldwork throughout Western Washington is required and is expected to comprise approximately 80% of work time.

Due to the seasonal nature of the work, the position is expected to be part-time (approximately 50%) during the fall, winter, and spring, with hours increasing to full-time (100%) during the summer months. The Opportunity The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) supports this mission by reducing and preventing human exposure to environmental hazards and disease-causing pathogens associated with wastewater, food safety, schools, and recreational areas.

This Environmental Specialist 1 position supports the Marine Biotoxin Program by conducting environmental sampling to monitor marine biotoxins in shellfish and surrounding waters. This preventative work helps the program identify potential health risks and close shellfish harvesting areas when necessary to protect the public from illness. The position involves fieldwork at docks and intertidal beaches throughout Western Washington, sample preparation and transport, data collection, and coordination with program staff, laboratory personnel, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Environmental Sampling: Plan and schedule fieldwork, collect shellfish and phytoplankton samples throughout Western Washington, and record environmental measurements, including temperature and salinity.
• Sample Handling and Quality Assurance: Prepare and transport samples for laboratory testing and conduct quality control and quality assurance of sample results.
• Supply and Inventory Management: Maintain sampling supplies, coordinate inventory needs, and assemble and deliver sampling kits to program partners.
• Partner and Public Engagement: Communicate professionally with shellfish industry members, program partners, and the public during sampling activities, outreach events, and conferences.
• Emergency Response: Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Role This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to public health protection through hands-on environmental monitoring and fieldwork. Working alongside a collaborative team and program partners, the position helps identify potential marine biotoxin risks and supports timely decisions that protect Washington’s shellfish consumers. The role is well suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, balancing independent field responsibilities with team coordination, and contributing to meaningful environmental health work across Western Washington.

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: Two (2) years of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol.

Option 2: 60 Semester or 90 Quarter hours of relevant coursework in environmental science, biology, marine biology, natural resources, public health, chemistry, or related sciences at an accredited university or college. AND One (1) year of demonstrated experience collecting environmental, biological, or water samples in the field following a defined protocol.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in tidal, intertidal, or other marine or coastal environments.
• Experience working with shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams, etc.) such as harvesting, handling, or sampling.
• Experience using maps, tide charts, and weather data to plan field work
• Experience working with industry, Tribal, or community partners to conduct outreach.
• Experience reviewing, verifying, or entering sampling or laboratory data, including quality control checks.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, communicate professionally with external partners, and independently organize work to me…