1

County Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Health Inspector

Tulsa, OK ยท On-site

$45K/yr

Conducts physical inspection of food establishments and existing or proposed businesses using ... The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tulsa City-County Health Department will require ...

Plumbing (Backflow) Inspector

MD ยท On-site

$57K - $93K/yr

Ability to perform cross connection inspections on new recycled water irrigation systems, working closely with job superintendents, landscape contractors and AA County Health Inspectors; advises ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

County Health Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do county health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for county health inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county health inspector?

County Health Inspectors are public health professionals responsible for ensuring that businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and public facilities comply with local and state health regulations. They conduct regular inspections to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and safety practices to prevent health hazards and disease outbreaks. If violations are found, they may issue warnings, fines, or even shut down establishments until issues are corrected. County Health Inspectors also educate business owners and the public about health standards and safe practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county health inspector?

To thrive as a County Health Inspector, you need a strong understanding of public health regulations, environmental science, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, data collection tools, and sometimes state or national certification (such as REHS/RS) is often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors navigate complex situations and educate the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring community health standards are met and public safety risks are minimized.

What are some common challenges faced by county health inspectors during inspections, and how can they be addressed?

County Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative facility staff, incomplete documentation, or identifying subtle violations that could impact public health. To address these, inspectors rely on clear communication, professionalism, and a strong understanding of local health codes. Building rapport with business owners and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations helps ensure compliance while fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

What is the difference between County Health Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectCounty Health InspectorFood Safety Inspector
Required CredentialsEnvironmental health license, state certificationFood safety certification, state or federal training
Work EnvironmentLocal government offices, inspection sites at restaurants, food facilitiesFood production facilities, restaurants, retail food establishments
Employer & IndustryCounty or city health departments, local governmentFood industry, regulatory agencies, health departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both County Health Inspectors and Food Safety Inspectors focus on food safety and sanitation, often working within local government or food industry settings. While their roles overlap, County Health Inspectors typically have broader responsibilities in environmental health, whereas Food Safety Inspectors specialize specifically in food safety compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in public health and food regulation.

How do you become a county health inspector?

To become a county health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or similar credential is often required or preferred, and inspectors must pass relevant licensing exams. Additionally, on-the-job training and knowledge of health codes, sanitation practices, and inspection procedures are essential.

How much do county health inspectors get paid?

County health inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the size of the county and the inspector's level of expertise, with some earning over $60,000 in higher-paying regions.

Is it hard to become a county health inspector?

Becoming a county health inspector typically requires completing relevant education such as a degree in environmental health or a related field, and obtaining certification from a recognized agency. The process involves passing exams, gaining experience, and sometimes meeting state-specific licensing requirements, making it moderately challenging for some candidates.

Is there a demand for county health inspectors?

County health inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing public health needs and regulatory requirements. Employment opportunities are often available in local government agencies, especially in areas with active food service, sanitation, and health inspection programs, and typically require relevant certifications and knowledge of health codes.

What cities are hiring for County Health Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most County Health Inspector job openings:

What states have the most County Health Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for County Health Inspector jobs include:

Infographic showing various County Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Public Health Inspector

Tulsa, OK โ€ข On-site

Tulsa Health Department
Public Health Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Salary : $45,160.08 Annually
Location : James O Goodwin Health Center Tulsa OK
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 202200304
Department: Environmental Health Services
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Description
Primarily responsible for inspections of commercial food establishments, institutional facilities, and manufactured food facilities to prevent fraud, adulteration and misrepresentation in the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food and food products by educating food establishment operators on applicable laws and regulations; sampling food products to verify food safety controls, product labeling, and contents; and issuing written notices, letters, and reports citing food establishment violations and enforcement actions. Also provides food safety education to internal/external stakeholders.
Examples of Duties
The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  1. Conducts physical inspection of food establishments and existing or proposed businesses using prescribed compliance review procedures. Collects samples or data, operates field testing equipment, and conducts tests for interpretive analysis. Prepares technical and non-technical reports and maintains records of investigative activities. Prepares required documentation for review prior to submission to state or federal agencies.
  2. Evaluates the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety and food defense; assists operators with food labeling and processing technologies in manufactured and retail food establishments.
  3. Provides food safety instruction to food establishment representatives on proper methods of personal hygiene and food sanitation.
  4. Investigates complaints, writes enforcement letters, and submits related documentation to local, state, and federal agencies. Participates in licensure and certification programs.
  5. Makes recommendations concerning remedial actions to correct environmental health problems. Initiates with supervisor assistance, enforcement procedures related to environmental health programs. With supervisory assistance, recommends compliance actions such as formal warnings, fines, license suspensions, or closure. Conducts follow-up activities to monitor progress toward correcting conditions.
  6. Interprets applicable regulations/ordinances to determine compliance or appropriate corrective measures to be taken.
  7. Provides routine technical assistance to industry, community groups, and others regarding environmental health programs. Solicits cooperation in promoting sound environmental/public health practices.
  8. Reviews plans for proposed food and institutional facilities and assists with conducting epidemiological investigations.
  9. Completes required training in support of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
  10. Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.
  11. Assists with the provision of food safety program orientation to medical and nursing students.

Typical Qualifications
Education -Bachelor's degree in physical, natural, or biological science, public health, environmental health, environmental science, or related field is required with a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in natural, physical or biological sciences, public health and/or environmental health.
Experience - No experience required.
Skills - Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are required in the operation and maintenance of monitoring and detection equipment. Good oral and written communication skills are required to effectively present information. Material resource skills are required to operate audio-visual equipment, including a laptop computer and digital camera. Active listening and negotiation skills when dealing with the public, and effective communication skills.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Licenses - Registered with the Sanitarian Advisory Council, Oklahoma State Department of Health, or be eligible for registration. Eligible incumbents must take and pass the Sanitarian-in-Training examination and successfully complete reading assignments and online training curriculum for this position.
Supplemental Information
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
  • Internal contact with laboratory personnel regarding sample analyses; with the legal department regarding potential legal actions and compliance with regulations; and with other environmental staff, specialists, supervisors, and management regarding compliance and work information.

  • External contact with citizens regarding complaints and communication of compliance requirements, builders, engineers, architects, attorneys, equipment vendors and establishment owners/operators regarding consumer problems; with specific departments within the city, county, state or federal agencies on compliance in areas of shared responsibility; and with food establishment representative diplomacy.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision- None.
Indirect Supervision- None.
Budget/Money/Material - Responsible for assigned equipment, license applications, and following money handling policies.
Reports to -Environmental Field Supervisor, Food Protection Services.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Stamina - The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Climbing: Ability to ascend and descend stairs utilizing legs, hands and arms.

  • Balancing: Capable of movement from one place to the other and maintenance of body equilibrium.

  • Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling: Ability to bend spine at waist, bend legs at the knees and move on hands, knees and feet.

  • Reaching: Ability to extend arm(s) up and out.

  • Manual and Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects and use fingers for operational needs such as typing and quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Standing: Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

  • Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

  • Walking: Ability to move on foot for an extended period of time.

  • Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use arms and/or hands to move objects to and from the body.

  • Lifting: Ability to move/transfer objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds regularly.

  • Talking: Ability to communicate by use of the spoken word.

  • Hearing: Ability to identify sounds in order to receive information.

  • Visual acuity: Ability to perform activities that require close visual acuity such as analyzing data. Must also have the visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.

  • Working conditions: Environmental conditions will fluctuate as this position has activities that occur inside and outside. Individual may be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat (above 100 degrees) and cold (below 32 degrees). Individual will occasionally be exposed to chemical and safety hazards as well as stressful situations during inspections. Individual is exposed to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust, etc.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.

  • Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.

  • Must be able to respond to emergency situations within an hour of receiving notification.

  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tulsa City-County Health Department will require all applicants and incumbents at this level to be eligible for registration as a Sanitarian-In-Training. Registration shall be with the Department of Registration, Oklahoma State Department of Health, provided in 59 O.S., Section 1150.7, which states in part:

A. Applicants for certificate of registration as a sanitarian or environmental specialist shall be approved for registration by the Council upon compliance with the following:
1. Have two (2) years of postgraduate, full-time experience working in the fields of public health or environmental protection.
2. Have a four-year bachelor's degree with a major in public health, environmental health, science, physical science, natural science, biological science, agricultural science, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of work in physical, natural and biological sciences, public health and/or environmental health or environmental protection or both environmental health and environmental protection.
3. Pass an examination prescribed by the Council, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles of sanitation and of the physical, biological and environmental sciences.
4. Pay applicable examination and registration fees.
B. Upon compliance with subsection A ... the Commissioner shall issue a certificate of registration as a registered professional sanitarian or registered professional environmental specialist....
Added by Laws 1988, c. 225, ยง 18. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, ยง 296, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 63, ยง 1-2202 by Laws 1993, c. 145, ยง 360, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 1995, c. 91, ยง 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
FLSA Status: Exempt
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
See below for more details or visit our benefit page :
  • Competitive Salary
  • Paid Holidays (typically 13 days per calendar year + 2 floating holidays)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) 20 hours per month
  • Extended Sick Leave (ESL)
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Critical Illness Care Plan including Cancer*
  • Accident Plan
  • Hospitalization Plan
  • Supplemental and Whole Life Plans
  • Legal and Identity Theft Protection Plans
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs)
  • Retirement Pension Fund with a 5-year vesting period.
  • Investment Benefits (e.g., 401A Employer/Employee Matching Fund (max. $150 per month), 457 Deferred Compensation Plan).
  • Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP) - employer contributes 1% of the employee's salary per year and unused employee sick leave is transferred to PEHP account upon retirement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Working 4 Balance - Workplace Wellness Program
  • Promotional Opportunities
  • Flex Plan
  • Tulsa Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union
  • THD employment qualifies for nursing education loan repayment through the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program.

01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a reliable method of transportation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question