Director, Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Toxicology (WMS Band 3) - (DOH2606)



Director, Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Toxicology (WMS Band 3) - (DOH2606)

Salary

$82,892.00 - $103,524.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

DOH2606

Department

Dept. of Health

Division

Environmental Public Health (EPH)

Opening Date

01/14/2015

Closing Date

2/4/2015 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



The Washington State Department of Health, Division of Environmental Public Health is searching for an innovative and collaborative environmental health professional with leadership competencies to fill the position of Director, Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Toxicology. 
 
Under the general direction of the Division of Environmental Public Health Assistant Secretary, and often with only broad agency or legislative direction, the Office Director has substantial latitude, discretion, and responsibility in identifying priorities, developing strategies, allocating and managing resources, implementing activities, evaluating outcomes, and formulating office level policy. The office has three (3) sections (Environmental Health Epidemiology, Site Assessments and Toxicology and Zoonotic Disease, and Pesticide Illness and Surveillance). S/he is responsible for a staff of 35 and a biennial budget of approximately $7.1 million.  
 
Within the three (3) Sections, staff work to identify, prevent and reduce exposure to priority environmental contaminants and disease vectors through active and passive surveillance; conducting health assessments, epidemiological investigations and scientific analysis; acquiring, analyzing and providing data to stakeholders to assist in identifying priority environmental public health issues for Washingtonians and supporting policy determinations; acting as a technical resource for emerging issues; and collaborating with internal and external partners to develop and implement evidence-based prevention and reduction strategies.
 
This position is responsible for leading the development of an office biennial strategic plan, ensuring the needs of stakeholders and emerging issues are adequately reflected, and resources are strategically and effectively directed to reduce human exposures to an ever expanding number of contaminants and disease vectors in our environment. S/he is responsible for building relationships across internal programs and external agencies and with stakeholders, facilitating discussions, and making decisions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute to organizational goals, and effectively communicating key strategies and other office matters to the media, legislature, stakeholders and colleagues.
 
We are looking for candidates who are excited about: 
 
  • Being a leader with the vision and focus to empower people toward our vision of Healthy Places-Healthy People: Washington State is a place where people live, work, play and worship in healthy communities with clear water and air, healthy food, and a safe environment.
 
  • Actively engaging in collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders in order to develop and implement strategies to reduce human exposures to priority environmental contaminants and disease vectors.
 
  • Providing leadership to an innovative and highly technical office of 35 staff in developing strategic priorities and in addressing emerging issues.
 
  • Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration where staff are provided opportunities for growth and development, and are recognized for their contributions.
 
  • Being a leader in addressing the environmental public health impacts of climate change.
 
To learn more about the position and to view the complete position description, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/9400/DOH2606_-_PDF.doc
 
To learn more about the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Toxicology, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/EnvironmentalPublicHealth/EnvironmentalHealthSafetyandToxicology.  
 
Agency Profile
 
The Washington State Department of Health works with federal, state, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe. Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. DOH recognizes that employees are our most valuable resource. We trust them to be innovative, challenge existing processes, and make the best decisions. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce. To learn more about DOH, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov
 
About Washington State and the City of Tumwater
 
Within Washington's boundaries, one can find oceans, rain forests, mountains, and deserts.  For the outdoor enthusiast, the options for recreation are almost limitless and include skiing, backpacking, and camping.  Eastern Washington offers a dry, semiarid climate and is a gateway to spectacular wilderness areas in northern and central Idaho, northeastern Washington, and Canada.  Access to large bodies of both fresh and salt water offer the boating, sailing, and windsurfing enthusiast boundless opportunity.  The state also boasts some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire country.
 
Washington is viewed as a progressive and innovative state where people are outgoing and friendly.  Seattle, Washington's largest city is located on Elliott Bay, one of the West Coast's most picturesque natural ports.  State residents enjoy a quality of life enhanced by natural beauty, a mild year-round climate, and an international atmosphere.
 
The City of Tumwater is located at the southern tip of Puget Sound. The rugged Olympic Mountains rise in the distance and Mount Rainier seems close enough to touch on a clear day. Tumwater is just south of our state capitol, the City of Olympia. To learn more about the City of Tumwater, visit http://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/, and to learn more about the Olympia and the Thurston County area, visit http://www.thurstonchamber.com/
 
Candidate Profile
 
The Washington State Department of Health is most interested in candidates who meet or exceed the following qualifications:   
 
  • A leader with the vision and focus to empower people toward our vision of Healthy Places-Healthy People: Washington State is a place where people live, work, play and worship in healthy communities with clear water and air, healthy food, and a safe environment.
 
  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Toxicology, or related scientific field, or Public Health Administration.
 
  • Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in the public sector leading teams, managing programs, and supervising and leading subordinate staff.
 
  • Extensive written, oral, facilitation and negotiation skills; as well as, demonstrated experience communicating complex and technical topics or issues both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
 
  • Considerable knowledge within the broad spectrum of environmental public health including risk assessment and communication, epidemiology, toxicology, zoonotic disease, and chronic disease prevention, and programs and policies of related local, state, and federal agencies, is desired.
 
  • Expert knowledge of the Washington State Public Health System including local health programs, risk assessment and communication, human resource planning, evaluation, and management principles, data collection and management, budget development, preparation, allocation, and tracking, may be given preference.
 
  • Demonstrated leadership competencies in the following areas:
o   Ethical conduct by being honest, forthright, and professional in all interactions.
o   Self-awareness, self-management and continual growth and learning.
o   Developing relationships quickly and managing at all levels in the organization.
o   Ability to build rapport with others and develop and facilitate teamwork within different functional areas.
o   Engaging staff, developing teams and collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
o   Creating a culture of respect, effective communication, continual learning and improvement.
o   Influencing managers and staff to achieve positive outcomes and strengthen relationships.
o   Applies quality improvement tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality.
o   Ability to prioritize, consider alternatives, and respond quickly and effectively to unexpected and rapidly changing conditions.
o   Interpersonal awareness and the ability to be inclusive. 
o   Organizational and political awareness.
o   Cultural and gender sensitivity and competency.
 
Compensation
 
This position reports to the Assistant Secretary of the Division of Environmental Public Health and falls under the Washington Management Services (WMS) guidelines. To learn more about WMS visit, http://www.dop.wa.gov/CompClass/Management/Pages/WashingtonManagementService2.aspx
 
The annual range of compensation is between $82,892 and $103,524, depending upon qualifications. 
 
Washington State offers a full benefits package including vacation and sick leave, family medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement, and a deferred compensation, visit http://www.dop.wa.gov/CompClass/JobClassesSalaries/Pages/Benefits.aspx
 
The Washington State Department of Health is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Applicants wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process should contact Linda Riggle at (360) 236-4226, Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 7-1-1.
 
Application Process
 
Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following: 
 
1.            A current detailed applicant profile; and attach your detailed Letter of Interest that addresses the elements in the “Candidate Profile” and Resume to your profile.  
2.            Five (5) or more professional references, to be included in your profile.  Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and subordinate.
3.            Responses to the Supplemental Questions.

Duties


Qualifications


Supplemental Information


 * Important information regarding the Application Process and the Supplemental Questions.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process and Supplemental Questions in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. 

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
SELECT ONE: How did you learn about this employment opportunity?
  • a. DOH Employment site
  • b. DOH Employee
  • c. Careers.wa.gov site
  • d. Employment Security/WorkSource
  • e. APHA – Public Health CareerMart
  • f. Friend or Acquaintance
  • g. Job Fair – if selected, answer Question 2
  • h. Other – if selected, answer Question 2
02
If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: LIST where you learned about this employment opportunity and if it was a Job Fair, the date you attended. (Examples: Job Fair – JBLM, June 30, 2014; OR, Indeed.com; OR, The Journal of Commerce, etc.)

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact