Environmental Health Office Technician

About the role

Under the supervision of Environmental Health Management, provide administrative and technical support services to Department staff by performing a variety of tasks such as oversight and review of environmental health applications, permitting, reports and complaints. Prepares and manages environmental health billing and oversees client account management. Screens technical issues brought forth by environmental health clientele and provides excellent customer service and program‑specific information to businesses, schools, and the public. Employees are expected to maintain an understanding of food, water, sewage, and vector‑borne communicable diseases to assist clients in navigating environmental health support services and maintain a basic understanding of environmental health rules and regulations. Typically supports department staff and upper‑level management.

Responsibilities

• Comprehend and apply relevant rules, regulations, and agency functions related to Environmental Health applications and permits.
• Assist clients with applications and renewals for Environmental Health permits and services.
• Provide technical support, review, and troubleshooting during the permitting process by providing relevant information and resources.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and requirements during the application and permitting process.
• Track and communicate with operators attending recurring and large temporary events.
• Perform intake for environmental health complaints and work with the public, clients, or other departmental personnel to provide information to ensure compliance and understanding of rules, regulations, or agency functions.
• Assist with illness or complaint investigations as requested by assigned departmental staff or supervisor.
• Prepare billing for Environmental Health programs and manage client accounts, including invoicing, payments, billing inquiries, and account closure.
• Work with the Billing Department to track and reconcile Environmental Health accounts.
• Generate billing reports and statements to departmental staff or clients as needed.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to client interactions, permitting processes, and billing activities.
• Maintain electronic data and file‑management systems and produce complex reports from databases; use spreadsheets to track, analyze, and report quantitative information.
• Utilize a variety of internal computer applications, creating templates, macros, presentation materials, slides, charts, graphics, spreadsheets, memos, forms, reports, and correspondence.
• Prepare clear, professional correspondence to clients related to billing, enforcement, and various Environmental Health memos.
• Work with Records Management staff to establish and maintain a systematic record‑keeping system, including physical and digital records; organize and maintain subject‑matter files and retrieve information as needed; ensure record disposition schedules are adhered to.
• Provide front‑office oversight for Environmental Health, including managing opening and closing procedures, sorting mail, stocking supplies and applications, purchasing and inventory management for front‑office supplies.
• Support department or program staff with requisition of program or office supplies.
• Take minutes and/or business summaries during staff, committee, or community‑partner meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge and comply with all RCWs, HIPAA regulations, and department/agency policies and procedures to protect privacy and security of protected health information and confidential information.
• Maintain and apply a thorough understanding of food, water, sewage, and vector‑borne communicable diseases to varied work situations.
• Assist with shipping biological or laboratory specimens as needed.
• Respond to public‑health emergency drills/exercises or actual events if requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Interpret and explain basic regulations; write clear correspondence.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, coworkers, and the public.
• Knowledge of general office practices, including cash handling and data reconciliation.
• Proficiency with computers and software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn specialized software.
• Use a 10‑key calculator and type at least 40 wpm.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse staff and clientele to provide excellent customer service.
• Organize, prioritize, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Analyze data for correctness with high accuracy and prioritize workload to meet customer needs.
• Knowledge of district policies and procedures preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; two years of college education preferred.
• Experience: Environmental Health Office Technician I – two years’ previous experience in clerical or office administration preferred. Environmental Health Office Technician II – two years’ experience as an Environmental Health Office Technician I.
• Certification/Licensure: May require a valid vehicle license or ability to access multiple sites in a timely manner. Must be able to obtain applicable program certifications in a timely manner or as prescribed by law or senior manager.

Selection Process

• The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information, will be invited for an interview.
• Criminal background check required upon candidate selection.