Jeff Nelson, RS

Environmental Health Director

Grays Harbor County

Montesano, WA 98563

Biography

Jeff Nelson is the Director of Environmental Health for Grays Harbor County, Washington State.  He has worked in the environmental health field for over 8 years and is a Registered Sanitarian with the National Environmental Health Association.  He is responsible for overseeing the entire Environmental Health Division, supervising professional/technical subordinates in addition to support staff. 

Prior to becoming the Director of Environmental Health Mr. Nelson was the Water Quality Program Lead for Grays Harbor County and was responsible for the operation of the County’s Drinking Water Laboratory.   Until recently Mr. Nelson was a State Certified Sanitary Surveyor of Public Water Systems and presently holds his Certified Pool Inspector credential.  Prior to that Mr. Nelson worked briefly in a renal care unit for Providence St. Peter Hospital.  

Mr. Nelson received Bachelors of Science Degree graduating with honors from Washington State University where he majored in Microbiology with a minor in general Chemistry.

Leadership Development Opportunities

Over the past year I have been exposed to a wealth of information which is not only beneficial to my role in environmental public health but also my personal life.  The EPHLI curriculum has provided me with numerous tools which can be used every day in working with staff and achieving existing program objectives.  In addition these tools can be used to explore current limitations, identify gaps and ways to appropriately address emerging issues.  The individual development plan is a great way to focus efforts in order to increase essential competencies.  I found particular interest in the 10 Essential Services of Environmental health and garnered a better appreciation for how they may be used to strengthen environmental health programs.  In addition a more detailed exposure to performance standards and indicators, related to their importance in building consistency and accountability, was appreciated.   As always networking with other environmental health professionals from across the country that face similar issues, no matter what the scale, was enlightening.  I look forward to building upon what I have learned.