Working Title: Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2
Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 95823
Location : Duluth
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 07/31/2026.
Date Posted : 07/25/2026
Closing Date : 08/07/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division : Environmental Health
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
Salary Range:
Public Health Sanitarian 1: $26.12 - $37.91/hourly
Public Health Sanitarian 2: $28.75 - $42.16/hourly
Bargaining Unit : Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
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.
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 and 2 levels, and the level at which the position is filled will be dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position may require working longer days occasionally in order to accommodate long-distance travel and the client's schedule.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) , this position is eligible for up to 50% telework 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 within50 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. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
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 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.
Additional Requirements
This position requires the employee to have a flexible schedule to be able to accommodate travel.
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check,
This position does not require a driver's license; however, it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
