Make a difference. 

The mission of the Office of Drinking water is to work with others to protect the health of the people of Washington by ensuring safe and reliable drinking water. This position aligns with the office’s mission and operational plan of providing resources and expertise to improve equitable access to safe drinking water to all people of Washington. 

The Local Water Program Advisor supports the mission by serving as a foundational public health technical expert for local jurisdiction drinking water programs. They play a key role in guiding and supporting local health jurisdictions in managing environmental health drinking water programs. It involves analyzing regulations, offering advice on policy development, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure water capacity and public health program development at the local level. Additionally, this position collects data and offers technical expertise to aid local jurisdictions in implementing their water programs.

The duty station for this full-time permanent Public Health Advisor 3 (PHA3) classified position will be determined by the location of the incumbent. The work will be done remotely from a duty station, home-based office, or in the field. 

 Work that matters

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices. 

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH  

We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.   

Our Ideal Candidate 

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 

Required Qualifications 

Experience defined below 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: Four or more years of demonstrated experience working in the field of environmental health or public health with a state or local health jurisdiction in one or more of the following areas:

• Policy development and analysis.
• Coordination or oversight of local or statewide issues or regulations.
• Drinking water compliance or water quality.

 Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree or higher involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or allied field AND two or more years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Policy development and analysis.
• Coordination or oversight of local or statewide issues or regulations.
• Drinking water compliance or water quality.

Option 3: One year of experience as a Public Health Advisor 2 or an equivalent position.

All option’s experience will include: 

Balancing complex technical and policy issues and had the authority to make independent, reasoned, and justifiable decisions in a timely manner to accomplish program objectives.

Desired Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field.
• Four years of experience working in the field of environmental health or public health with a state or local health jurisdiction.
• Experience working with state and federal regulations as a water utility employee, consultant, or working in a local or state drinking water program, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, handle, and delegate multiple projects/issues at one time.
• Demonstrated success in working cooperatively and effectively with diverse working partners and community collaborators (business, citizens, local, state and federal governments, and tribes).

About Washington Department of Health

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies

Connections working at Washington Department of Health