Water Recreation Environmental Health Specialist (PHA 3) DOH8892

The Water Recreation Environmental Health Specialist (PHA 3) position at Mt Adams Resource Stewards is a remote job available to Washington residents and those near the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. The role involves supporting safe water recreation in Washington, requiring approximately 20% field work. Responsibilities include program guidance, policy development, inspections, and training, contributing to public health and safety standards in water recreation.
Description
This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents, those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders, and those able to relocate to these locations. Field work throughout Washington State is required and expected to comprise approximately 20% of work time.


Permanent · Full-time The Opportunity The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a skilled professional to support safe and healthy water recreation across Washington. This role sits within the Division of Environmental Public Health, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and contributes directly to protecting communities from environmental health risks.


Working in the Water Recreation Program, this position partners with local health jurisdictions, industry professionals, and state leaders to strengthen safety standards, guide compliance, and respond to emerging public health concerns.


Key Responsibilities Include:
Program Guidance & Technical Expertise


Provide consultation on regulations, policies, and technical issues related to water recreation facilities Develop reports, guidance documents, and responses to public and stakeholder inquiries Policy & Rule Development
Support development, updates, and interpretation of aquatic facility rules Lead or contribute to rule revision efforts and stakeholder workgroups Inspections & Compliance
Coordinate and conduct pre-opening, routine, and follow-up inspections Investigate complaints, illnesses, and injuries; support enforcement actions as needed Identify gaps in inspection processes and recommend improvements Training & Outreach
Develop and deliver training to industry partners, local health jurisdictions, and facility staff Provide field-based instruction on state aquatic facility requirements Technical Review & Evaluation
Review product submissions to ensure compliance with state standards Evaluate and approve engineering plans, designs, and specifications for water recreation facilities Conduct specialized inspections to ensure compliance with design and operational requirements
Why You’ll Love This Role


This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on public health by helping ensure safe, enjoyable water recreation across Washington. You’ll work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team while building expertise in environmental health, policy development, and regulatory practice. The role offers meaningful variety, professional growth, and the chance to influence statewide standards that protect communities.


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: 8 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.


Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or another closely allied science AND 4 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.


Option 3: A master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or another closely allied science AND 2 years of experience in a regulatory water recreation program performing the required skills and abilities listed below.


Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience


Interpreting regulations and statutes, providing technical assistance, and sharing information about environmental public health hazards or issues. Developing and presenting training and educational outreach on environmental public health hazards or issues to a broad scope of interested parties. Participating in the development of environmental public health guidance, best practices, policies, or rules regarding environmental public health hazards or issues. Conducting compliance inspections in a regulatory water recreation program. Reviewing engineering or architectural plans. Applying mathematics (especially geometry and algebra) and natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics to review highly technical facility design proposals and innovative product designs and practices.