Environmental Health Specialist I/II -Food Protection Services (Environmental Sanitarian II)

About the Role

Anne Arundel County Government is seeking a full-time, emergency essential, and permanent Environmental Health Specialist I/II (Environmental Sanitarian I/II) for the Food Protection Services program within the Department of Health. This role conducts inspections and investigations to promote environmental health, protect the environment, and enforce State and local environmental health codes, laws, and regulations. Field inspections and investigations focus on food service facilities, with follow-up actions as necessary.

This position handles special assignments for the Food Protection Services Program Supervisor and may be designated as an emergency essential employee, requiring the employee to report to work or remain at work during emergencies to ensure continuity of agency operations.

Responsibilities

• Performs full-performance on-site inspections, investigations, and surveys for assigned programs to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal public environmental health laws, codes, regulations, and standards, including licensed food service facilities, mobile food units, special food events, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) assessments.
• Investigates complaints to determine potential public or environmental health violations, including interviewing complainants.
• Collects routine or less complex field samples (e.g., food, beverages, air, soil, water, paint) and submits them for laboratory testing and analysis to ensure compliance with applicable health laws and standards.
• Analyzes and interprets laboratory test results and reports to identify environmental health hazards or non-compliance.
• Issues written notices of code violations to responsible parties, explaining non-compliant practices or operations.
• Confers with owners and operators to resolve actual or potential problems and recommends actions to achieve compliance.
• Prepares and submits written correspondence or documentation to resolve cases or support the agency’s goals and objectives.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and retrievable records, data, statistics, and documentation for reports, hearings, or court proceedings.
• Testifies at hearings or court proceedings to provide evidence or testimony in code violation cases.
• Maintains, uses, and operates vehicles, equipment, and supplies in accordance with departmental rules and guidelines.
• Responds to environmental health emergencies during or after regular work hours as directed by a supervisor.
• Participates in the training of Environmental Sanitarians I.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological, environmental, or physical sciences. For foreign degrees, documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency is required.
• Certification as a registered environmental sanitarian or proof of eligibility to obtain a license from the Maryland State Board of Environmental Sanitarian Registration.
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator’s license.

Qualifications

Environmental Sanitarian I

• No prior professional experience in environmental health inspection work is required beyond the minimum qualifications.

Environmental Sanitarian II

• One or more years of professional experience in environmental health inspection work.
• Certification as a registered environmental sanitarian with the Maryland State Board of Environmental Sanitarian Registration.

This position will be filled at the Environmental Sanitarian I or II level depending on the credentials and experience of the successful candidate. Preference will be given to applicants with a certificate of eligibility or a license from the Board of Environmental Health Specialists.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles, objectives, techniques, and practices related to public and environmental health programs.
• Ability to apply natural science principles in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
• Knowledge of County, State, and Federal laws, codes, and ordinances governing public and environmental health.
• Ability to recognize environmental health problems and apply relevant laws, codes, or standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government representatives, business owners, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to interpret and enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and schematic drawings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct inspections, investigations, and surveys.
• Ability to provide testimony at hearings and in court.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment, vehicles, and instruments for sampling, testing, and measuring.

Pay

• Environmental Sanitarian I: $55,216.00 - $102,088.00 annually.
• Environmental Sanitarian II: $60,954.00 - $112,688.00 annually.