Working Title: Environmental Health Specialist - Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, or 3
Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1, Public Health Sanitarian 2, or Public Health Sanitarian 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 97177
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 10/19/2026.
Date Posted : 10//13/2026
Closing Date : 10/26/2026
Hiring Agency : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division : Environmental Health (EH)
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 75% of the time
Salary Range: Public Heatlh Sanitarian 1: $26.12 - $37.91, hourly, / Public Health Sanitarian 2: $28.75 - $42.16, hourly / Public Health Sanitarian 3: $32.97 - $48.60, hourly
Bargaining Unit : 214 - 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/)
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.
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.
This vacancy will be used to fill two positions and is being posted at the Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, and 3 levels. The levels at which the positions are filled will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
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.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-1STEM 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, 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
Physical Requirements
Ability to navigate on uneven terrain, slippery flooring, stairs, and ladders around operating equipment, and in dimly lit tight spaces.
Ability to move long distances in all weather conditions.
Ability to transport up to 40 pounds.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that 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.
