Hospital Environmental Health and Safety Inspector (HSC 4) DOH9017
About the Department
This is a full-time, permanent, home-based Hospital Environmental Health and Safety Inspector position with a requirement for regular travel throughout Washington state.
Field work throughout Western Washington region (primarily within King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties) is expected to comprise approximately 45% of work time. However, the employee must be available to travel anywhere in Washington state based on operational needs.
The Opportunity
This Hospital Environmental Health and Safety Inspector position is located within the Office of Health Systems Oversight (OHSO), whose role is to support the department’s mission to work with others to protect and improve the health of people in the state of Washington by contributing to safe care and providing oversight of state-licensed and federally certified clinical and behavioral health entities, and by ensuring they meet applicable standards.
This position serves as an agency expert in health care facility inspections and/or complaint investigations and may serve as lead on health inspections.
This position also conducts environmental health and safety inspections and other non-clinical inspections and complaint investigations in state-licensed and federally certified Acute Care Hospitals (ACH), Birthing Centers (CBC), Behavioral Health Hospitals (HPSY), Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Treatment Hospitals (HALC), Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT), and Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORF). This position may also serve as an expert assisting other inspectors and investigators representing the agency to health providers, facilities, patients, the public, and others regarding issues of high visibility or sensitivity.
Key Responsibilities Include
Planning and Research
Develop an overall approach and create an inspection or investigation plan by gathering information on past inspections, complaints, current laws, rules, and regulations, and team member/co-worker input for planning and organizing inspection and investigation processes.
Review complaint documentation and allegations (if assigned a complaint investigation) to determine if a possible violation of state or federal rules/regulations is within the jurisdiction of the regulated health care facility or agency.
Fieldwork, Evidence Collection and Observations
Conduct on-site and off-site inspections and investigations primarily within the Western Washington region (King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties) to determine compliance with state and federal health and safety standards in assigned health care facilities.
Lead and direct initial and routine inspections and/or complaint investigations of assigned facilities under the direction of the supervisor.
Collect information by interviewing staff, patients, family members or representatives, providers, agency/facility personnel, other interested or affected parties.
Review documents, policies, procedures, and personnel records to evaluate the regulated health care facility or agency's compliance with required personnel requirements, internal/external policies, and state/federal laws.
Observe and evaluate the health care facility or agency, as well as the operation of the facility's health and safety activities.
Use environmental measurement instruments and apply critical thinking when observing an environment for safety hazards, including slip hazards, air quality, hygiene, infection control, food safety, and physical environment.
Analysis, Compliance Determination and Decision Making
Review, analyze, and evaluate the information from observations, interviews, and document reviews to determine areas of compliance/non-compliance based upon state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and standards of care.
Identify findings in state and federal inspections and investigations using laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, environmental health and safety standards, standards of care, industry guidelines, and policies and procedures.
Receive, evaluate, and approve proposed plans of correction reports from the health care facility or agency (to the extent decision-making has been delegated by management).
Reporting, Documentation and Case Management
Utilize computer programs and databases in conjunction with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations to create written reports and give verbal explanations of findings.
Make conclusions and prepare comprehensive reports to determine regulatory compliance for state licensure and federal certification, utilizing computer programs within performance measure timelines.
Use approved formatting and "plain language" to write clear, defensible statement of deficiency reports in accordance with state and federal guidelines for content, structure, and timeliness.
Compile and prepare necessary documentation of deficiencies or violations in support of proposed corrective, legal, or enforcement action.
Manage the flow of required documents, reports, and communication between the facility, administrative staff, and program staff.
Provide the statement of deficiency/non-deficiency reports to the regulated health care facility or agency with instructions on how to respond with a plan of correction document.
Communication and Consultation
Serve as the primary point of contact with the facility representative and Office of Health Systems Oversight management during an inspection or investigation.
Communicate and consult with the manager/supervisor as needed for clarification of a rule, regulation, or process requirement, or to report and discuss when a more serious-level finding is discovered.
Educate the facility on how to make changes and achieve an acceptable plan of correction document if their submitted report is incomplete, inaccurate, or inadequate.
Conduct on-site and off-site revisits, when appropriate, to ensure the facility has met established standards or other regulatory requirements included in the plan of correction.
Participate in legal proceedings and testify as an expert witness regarding enforcement actions, licensure, or certification requirements.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Role
You’ll provide education and technical assistance on compliance with state and federal health and safety regulations of assigned facilities; work collaboratively within the agency and across other state, federal, county, and city agencies to further the department’s regulatory responsibilities; and participate in division, office, and facility performance improvement activities to increase accuracy, timeliness, and overall quality of our services.
Join us, and apply your professional judgment, skills, and technical knowledge to make a difference in patient safety!
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: Eight (8) or more years of experience in applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment or in a public or private sector health-related industry, or in an investigative, regulatory, or other related field.
Option 2: Eight (8) or more years of experience in social work, social science, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, public health, health care administration, or as a Midwife licensed in the State of Washington (or in another state and eligible to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire).
Option 3: A bachelor's degree or higher in social work, social science, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, biological, physical and/or environmental science, public health, health care administration, or other related field.
AND
Four (4) or more years of experience in applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment or in a public or private sector health-related industry, or in an investigative, regulatory, or other related field.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
AND for all options: Advanced knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodology of observation and inspection and interviewing techniques.
After a conditional offer of employment, a criminal history background check will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The duties of this position may require the incumbent to complete an identity verification/validation process to gain authorized access to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services systems to perform the essential functions of the position. This verification/validation process may require the incumbent to provide government-issued identification, current photo/image, Social Security number, and credit report information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in environmental health or registered as an Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian.
- A master's degree in public health, health care administration, or other related field.
- Experience working with and interpreting state laws or federal regulations related to hospital systems or other regulated, licensed, or certified healthcare facilities.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, organization, and objectives of environmental health; statutes, ordinances, and resolutions pertaining to environmental health; state and federal laws and State Board of Health (SBOH) regulations relating to environmental health; bacteriology; vector control; and educational principles and techniques.
Employee Benefits
We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.
OHSO’s vision is to be an effective partner in ensuring health and safe patient care in the community we oversee. We achieve this through timely, comprehensive, consistent, and fair reviews, inspections, and investigations; providing reports that identify areas of non-compliance with existing regulations and, when required, initiating enforcement action to protect the public. We also serve as the contracted agency for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the enforcement of Medicare’s conditions of participation. The department is also approved by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an accrediting body (AB) providing accreditation services for Behavioral Health Agencies (BHA) certified for opioid treatment provider (OTP) services in the state.
About the Washington State Department of Health
We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.
At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
Working Conditions
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Travel Requirements: Regular travel will be required to conduct on-site inspections and investigations throughout Washington state. When traveling for work, the incumbent may travel alone or with another person, may include day trips, may stay overnight, or for several days and nights, in/or out of state depending on the location and business needs of the investigation/inspection to perform the essential functions of the position, including but not limited to, on-site inspections of facilities. When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation while on state business.
Work Setting: When not traveling for work, the incumbent may work from home, from a DOH facility, or work remotely from an alternative location. The official duty station will be either the nearest DOH facility or home-based. Exposure to hazards may include, but is not limited to, those found in mobile, home, DOH office, or health care facility environments. Duties may require moving objects weighing up to 30 lbs., including but not limited to: equipment and supplies for conducting onsite inspections and/or investigations and paper case files.
Schedule: Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. May need to work more than 40 hours per week to meet critical deadlines or address workload peaks. May be asked to work on Holidays and weekends. A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
Tools & Equipment: Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment and other communication devices (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.) to input data into state and federal databases related to work activities and communicate verbally and in writing with others.
Customer Interactions: Frequent contact (likely daily) with facilities, patients, or complainants, including some contact with those who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Presentations to industry associations, onsite with assigned facilities, and phone interface with facility staff and patients. Contact with other state, federal, CMS, other agency staff, or external customers may be required.
Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
We Encourage You to Apply
If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.
Application Directions
To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- Three (3) professional references: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application or attached as a separate document. At least one reference must be a current or recent supervisor.
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
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. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Kristina Cox at [email protected] and reference DOH9017.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job AlertsOther Qualifications
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
To be considered, please follow the application instructions and complete all required application materials. Information provided in your supplemental question responses, including education and experience, must be supported by your applicant profile and verifiable.
Benefits
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. 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. 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. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026
Supplemental Questions
01 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- Yes
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
- h. I have 6 years but less than 7 years of experience.
- i. I have 7 years but less than 8 years of experience.
- j. I have 8 years but less than 9 years of experience.
- k. I have 9 years but less than 10 years of experience.
- l. I have 10 or more years of experience
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
- h. I have 6 years but less than 7 years of experience.
- i. I have 7 years but less than 8 years of experience.
- j. I have 8 years but less than 9 years of experience.
- k. I have 9 years but less than 10 years of experience.
- l. I have 10 or more years of experience
- Yes
- No
- a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
- b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
- c. I have independently performed this activity.
- d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- yes
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov8+ years in health/safety inspection or related field, or bachelor's degree plus 4+ years; advanced knowledge of inspection and interviewing; background check; ability to travel 45% statewide; legal authorization to work in US.
Key Responsibilities
- conducting inspections
- investigating complaints
- writing reports
Job Details
- Category: Healthcare Services - Allied Health
- Seniority: Senior Level
- Commitment: Full Time
- Workplace: Remote — Washington or King County or Pierce County or Snohomish County or Thurston County
- Salary: USD 71,136 – 95,676 / year
- Languages: English
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Generous parental leave
About Washington State Department of Health
A state agency protecting and improving the health of people in Washington through oversight and regulation of health care facilities. — Industry: Government Agencies and Departments