[Hiring] Water Sampler @State of Washington

Role Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. Fieldwork throughout Washington is required. This is a part-time, permanent position that involves approximately 90% travel throughout Washington. Work hours fluctuate throughout the school year based on school schedules and sampling needs.

• From mid-August to late June, work hours average 20 – 35 hours a week, depending on school breaks and schedule when schools are in session.
• From late June to mid-August, work hours will be minimized to 8 hours per month to maintain benefits, as sampling does not occur during the school summer breaks.

This position reports to the Environmental Lead Exposure Prevention Supervisor and serves within the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) in the Healthy Homes and Communities Section. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct drinking water sample collection and related activities to assess and reduce childhood lead exposure in schools throughout Washington State.

This role offers the opportunity to directly support healthier learning environments for children across Washington State. The position works closely with schools, program staff, and community partners to identify and reduce lead exposure risks in drinking water while supporting statewide public health prevention efforts.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Drinking Water Sampling & Field Work
  • Conduct drinking water sample collection in schools following established sampling protocols and procedures.
  • Travel extensively throughout Washington State to perform on-site sampling activities.
  • Coordinate school visits and sampling schedules with school staff and program partners.
  • Maintain sampling supplies, field equipment, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Data Collection & Program Support
  • Accurately document field observations, sampling information, and related records.
  • Support data entry, recordkeeping, and quality assurance activities related to sample collection.
  • Assist with communicating sampling processes and next steps to school personnel.
• Collaboration & Public Health Support
  • Work collaboratively with CLPPP staff and environmental public health professionals to support statewide lead exposure prevention efforts.
  • Represent the Department of Health professionally while working in schools and communities.
  • Support program activities that advance environmental justice and equitable public health outcomes.

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.
• Option 1: College-level coursework in environmental science or a related field and six (6) or more months’ experience in a high-volume customer service position performing tasks that require following detailed procedures.
• Option 2: One year of experience in a high-volume customer service position performing tasks that require following detailed procedures.

Requirements

• Experience will include practical skills in MS Excel for spreadsheet tasks, database management, MS Word for document creation and formatting, and Microsoft Outlook or similar email systems for electronic correspondence/complex scheduling.
• After a conditional offer of employment, a criminal history background check will be conducted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting field work, environmental sampling, inspections, or other hands-on data collection activities while following established technical protocols and documentation procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, communicate professionally with external partners, manage travel logistics, and independently organize work to meet program goals and timelines.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including accurate data entry, recordkeeping, chain of custody documentation, inventory management, and completion of required reports and paperwork.
• Experience following defined protocols for the collection and management of samples as part of a research project or program, including chain of custody documentation.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Working Conditions

• This position requires regular in-person attendance at various locations across Washington State, although the official duty station is home-based.
• Essential duties must be performed with or without accommodation and include lifting and transporting sampler coolers weighing up to 35 pounds and using stairs in K-12 schools.
• This position typically requires early morning shifts starting between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and ending around 10:00 a.m., an average of 3–5 days per week, Tuesday through Saturday.
• Travel within Washington State is required 3–5 times per week to perform the essential functions of the position.

Application Directions

• To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials.
• Required materials include a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references.
• DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer.