What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sanitarian I position at Dane County?
The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
This professional position in the Environmental Health division is responsible for regulatory public health sanitation, environmental health fieldwork, and other related activities for Public Health - Madison & Dane County (PHMDC). The Sanitarian independently performs field inspections and investigates complaints related to environmental health. Sanitarian I is Entry level, with possible progression to Sanitarian II (Intermediate). The Sanitarian assists in the promotion of accepted principles of environmental health and enforcement of city and county health laws and regulations and performs related work as required. A State of Wisconsin or National Environmental Health Association Registered Sanitarian (RS) credential, as well as an acceptable ability to work independently,is required to be eligible for advancing to the Sanitarian II level. For Sanitarians working in the licensed establishment program, in addition to the RS, successful completion of the initial State Standardization exercises with one cycle of maintenance exercises, demonstration of leadership within the program and agency and National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) certification are also required to be eligible to advance to the Sanitarian II level.
Per the 2018 DATCP administrative rule 74. 08 (1)-(3) a Sanitarian inspecting licensed establishments must be a Registered Sanitarian within five (5) years of employment to continue to conduct inspections. Therefore, a Dane County employee in the Sanitarian classification who is expected to conduct inspections of licensed establishments is unable to obtain the Registered Sanitarian certification within five (5) years of employment, their employment will be terminated since they would not qualify to hold the position.
For All Positions: This classification may be recruited as either English-speaking or Bilingual – the specific recruitment will specify which. All the requirements, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and abilities provided here apply to all Sanitarian I’s.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The Sanitarian I’s work assignments are more structured, intense and closely reviewed. They are performed with an increasing level of autonomy once applicable standards, policies and procedures are learned. The Sanitarian assists in the promotion of accepted principles of sanitation and enforcement of the health laws in Dane County and the City of Madison. Inspects, consults and obtains compliance with health ordinances, codes and standards in general sanitation. Evaluates sanitary applications and their compliance with state code. Educates and trains operators and the community on regulatory code requirements and public health services. Performs miscellaneous office activities, schedules appointments and daily work, reviews inspection files, consults with other departments, writes letters, and issues written complaints and reports. Performs other assigned duties.
Although not all duties may be required or listed, the following are examples of duties a Sanitarian I may perform:
LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS: Performs field inspections of licensed establishments (e.g., restaurants, retail food, public swimming pools, body art facilities, manufactured home communities, beaches and lodging) for compliance with state and local health codes. Investigates foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Collects samples in the field. Documents violations, requires corrective action and re-inspects to ensure compliance with health codes. Provides onsite consultation and education to licensed facility operators or other special trainings as assigned.
WELL AND SEPTIC PROGRAM: Reviews permit applications and inspects private water wells and onsite wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with established environmental health laws and regulations. Collects samples and issue orders as appropriate. Consults with professionals and members of the public.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Investigates a wide variety of environmental complaints/problems including: indoor and outdoor air problems, noise complaints, unsanitary private housing complaints, vector control problems, asbestos, lead paint, waste and other potential hazards. Collects samples and issue orders as appropriate. Consults with professionals and members of the public.
Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental health, public health sanitation, sanitary or soil science, biological sciences or related fields. (A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Health, Public Health, Biological Sciences or related fields is preferred.) The ideal candidate will have worked in an internship or environmental health position in a health department.
Certifications:Certifications required will depend on the duties assigned. Possession of State of Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian credential or the National Environmental Health Association Registered Sanitarian credential is preferred.
Upon attainment of the State of Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian credential or the National Environmental Health Association Registered Sanitarian credential, and supervisory evaluation indicating the individual's ability to independently perform the duties of Sanitarian I, the incumbent will be eligible to be promoted to the Sanitarian II level.
Per the 2018 DATCP administrative rule 74. 08 (1)-(3) a Sanitarian inspecting licensed establishments must be a Registered Sanitarian within five (5) years of employment to continue to conduct inspections. In the event a Dane County employee in the Sanitarian classification who is expected to conduct inspections of licensed establishments is unable to obtain the Registered Sanitarian certification within five (5) years of employment, their employment will be terminated since they would not qualify to hold the position.
For Sanitarians inspecting wells and septic systems, certification as a Soil Tester, POWTS inspector, and Well Location Inspector Level I are required within six (6) months of hire.
Certification in other environmental specialty areas such as lead, asbestos, hazardous materials, mold, healthy homes, pools and food safety may be required, depending on the duties performed.
Special Requirements:
Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have access to reliable personal motor vehicle transportation, or equivalent. As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations. A list will be provided at the time of the job offer.
For Spanish Bilingual Positions:
- Provides services in both English and Spanish, including oral interpretation and written translations in Spanish for various environmental health programs as needed. Provides accurate oral Spanish interpretation for operators, employees, and environmental health staff during regulatory inspections, consultations, and compliance conferences.
- Applicants being considered for Bilingual Spanish positions must pass a Spanish-English and English-Spanish oral translation exam prior to employment.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g. the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Able to do the following: Lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less. Intermittently sit at a desk while studying or preparing reports. Twist to reach equipment or materials. Stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb, and bend while performing inspection duties. Grasping and fine finger manipulations. Use a telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate. Ability to physically access and inspect diverse locations requiring stamina and agility. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental health. Working knowledge of environmental health and related scientific theory and practices applicable to food safety, environmental contamination, communicable diseases, sanitation and health nuisance abatement. Some knowledge of chemistry and bacteriology and its relation to water, milk, and food safety. Knowledge of health and safety laws and codes and their practical application. Some knowledge of city and county ordinances, state laws, rules and administrative codes relative to environmental health programs. Ability to recognize health law violations and recommend changes. Ability to perform all types of environmental inspections and use appropriate field equipment. Ability to secure pertinent information through inspections and to analyze, interpret and make corrections based on this information. Ability to perform and interpret required physical and chemical tests. Ability to effectively use computers in the office and in the field while conducting inspections. Ability to use safety and personal protective equipment as needed. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to prepare clear and concise, effective reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local health officials and the general public. Ability to respond to public health emergencies.
Salary : $39 - $51
