The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Food, Pools and Lodging Services (FPLS) Section is seeking a dedicated Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, or 3 to help protect public health by coordinating section activities at large festivals and events to ensure compliance with applicable rules and statutes. This position manages a caseload of FPLS-licensed establishments and assisted living facilities, monitoring compliance, conducting inspections, analyzing data, and reporting findings. This position communicates survey results, provides technical assistance, and works with clients to correct deviations, ensuring public health is protected.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct inspections of licensed facilities to assess compliance with applicable public health statutes, rules, and standards.
- Document inspection findings, prepare reports, and complete follow-up actions using established MDH procedures and data systems.
- Provide education and technical assistance to facility operators to support compliance and reduce public health risks.
- Investigate complaints, potential illness reports, and other public health concerns to ensure timely response and appropriate corrective action.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners and participate in outreach, training, or consultation activities to support public health protection efforts.
This vacancy is being posted at the Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, and 3 levels, and the level at which the position is filled will be dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
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.
Public Health Sanitarian 3 Minimum Qualifications:
- Four (4) years of professional experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian; AND
- Possession of a current Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential issued by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
For PHS 3 level: Candidates who hold a master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for six (6) months of qualifying professional experience. Candidates who hold a doctoral degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for twelve (12) months of qualifying professional experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
- English, verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with owners, managers, and employees in a variety of environments which may include loud equipment and noisy kitchens; and 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.
Position Closing Date:
8/4/26