Environmental Health Specialist - Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Job Details

Working Title: Environmental Health Specialist
Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 84681
• Location: Fergus Falls
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for reassignment, bidders, and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Minnesota Department of Health employee reassignment volunteers and bidders will be considered before all other applicants through 3/21/2025.
• Date Posted: 03/11/2025
• Closing Date: 03/25/2025
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/ Food, Pools and Lodging (FPLS)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 75% of the time
• Salary Range:
  • Public Health Sanitarian 1: $25.29-$36.71 / hourly; $52,806 - 76,650 / annually
  • Public Health Sanitarian 2: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

MDH employees seeking voluntary reassignment or bidding (per contract language) will be considered, followed by other qualified applicants through the competitive hiring process. Please review the "Who May Apply" and "How to Apply" sections of this job posting.

To be considered for reassignment or bidding, employees must apply via Self-Service and notify the staffing representative listed in the job posting by email. The subject line should follow this format: Bidding/Reassignment-Job ID# 84681, Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2. The staffing specialist will confirm eligibility, and qualified employees will receive priority consideration.

Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking dedicated professionals to make a difference in our communities. The Environmental Health Division is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist who will independently administer and monitor the state program activities for the Food Pools and Lodging section in an assigned region. The position manages a caseload of licensed establishments by monitoring compliance with applicable rules and statute and communicating survey results to resolve compliance deviations at businesses to protect public health. The position conducts inspections, collects and analyzes data, and writes summary reports for clients. Technical assistance is provided to clients to assist with gaining compliance. The position also investigates reports of non-compliant operations.

This vacancy is being posted at both the Public Health Sanitarian 1 and Public Health Sanitarian 2 levels. The level at which the position will be filled will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

This position may require working longer days occasionally in order to accommodate long-distance travel and the client’s schedule.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Public Health Sanitarian 1 Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a registration as an Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS Certification) OR the ability to obtain within two years of hire.

Candidates may be hired on a provisional basis, without a current or renewable REHS/RS credential with evidence of:

A bachelor's degree OR a degree-in-progress in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field which includes at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical or biological sciences.

Public Health Sanitarian 2 Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian and the ability to obtain an REHS/RS certification within two years of hire.

OR

• Possession of a master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field and eighteen (18) months of experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian and the ability to obtain an REHS/RS certification within two years of hire

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• English verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with owners, managers, and employees; interviewing in a variety of environments including while loud equipment is operating, in busy kitchens, and while the employees are working; have written communications skills sufficient to document concise, accurate, and complete information and observations.
• Critical thinking skills sufficient to collect and analyze information, identify areas of focus, and make decisions based on evidence gathered.
• Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships, inform operators of violations and other pertinent findings, and participate in legal proceedings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a current or renewable registration as an Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS Certification).
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field.
• Public health principles, including environmental science, epidemiology, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology, and procedures for investigating waterborne illnesses.
• Knowledge of legal evidence guidelines with the ability to meticulously complete forms, follow procedures, and document work accurately.
• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, rules, and standards related to retail food, public pools, lodging, manufactured home parks/recreational camping areas, youth camps, on-site sewage disposal systems, water wells, public non-community water supplies, and plumbing.
• Working in environmental or public health programs, including inspecting public water supplies and/or food, beverage, and lodging establishments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate on uneven terrain, slippery flooring, stairs, and ladders around operating equipment, and in dimly lit tight spaces.
• Ability to move long distances in all weather conditions.
• Ability to transport up to 40 pounds.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

This position does not require a driver’s license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

To receive consideration for reassignment or as a bidder, apply online and email "Bidding/Reassignment-Job ID # 84681-Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2" to Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.