Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2 - Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Location: Duluth

Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date.

Full/Part Time: Full-Time, Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes - Up to 75% of the time

About the Role

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Food, Pools and Lodging Services (FPLS) Section is seeking a dedicated Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2 to administer and monitor program activities for the FPLS section in an assigned region. This position manages a caseload of FPLS-licensed establishments by monitoring compliance with applicable rules and statutes, 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.

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 position may require working longer days occasionally to accommodate long-distance travel and the client's schedule.

Requirements

• Flexible schedule to accommodate travel.
• Successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• Travel is required; the candidate is responsible for meeting this demand.

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 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.

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.

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, environmental science, or other related environmental health field.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and standards, as well as knowledge of public health principles and MDH procedures.
• Experience working in environmental public health programs, including performing inspections.
• The ability to follow guidelines, meticulously complete forms, follow procedures, and document work.

Physical Requirements

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

Pay

Public Health Sanitarian 1: $26.12 - $37.91/hourly
Public Health Sanitarian 2: $28.75 - $42.16/hourly

Benefits

• 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).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support.