Description
Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a dedicated professional 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.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
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, orother 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 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 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; 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.
- Knowledge of public health principles, including environmental science, epidemiology, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology, and procedures for investigating waterborne illnesses.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field.
- 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.
- Possession of a current or renewable registration as an Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS Certification
- Position Closing Date: 10/26/2026
Link to Posting: