Careers

Description:

The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Environmental Health Division is seeking to fill two (2) Public Health Sanitarian positions. As a Public Health Sanitarian, you will administer and monitor state program activities for the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section in assigned regions. Incumbents protect public health in the use and consumption of water via the implementation and enforcement of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA) and other Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) rules as they pertain to non-community public water systems (NCPWS). Incumbents will have the option to select the Bemidji or Duluth district office as their primary office location; however, work will be performed throughout greater Minnesota and the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area. This position may require working longer days occasionally in order to accommodate long-distance travel and the client schedules.

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 requirements 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.
• Experience working in an environmental or public health program which includes the inspection of public water supplies and/or food, beverage, and lodging establishments.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state statutes, rules, codes, and standards applicable to drinking water protection
• Experience gathering and interpreting data, information, and evidence through research, interviews, and observations.
• Valid drivers license to be able to travel to work sites.