Think Beyond The Label Jobs

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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

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.

This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion .

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.