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Job Details

Working Title: Environmental Health Specialist

Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, or 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95647
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.  Open to bidders through 7/29/2026.
• Date Posted: 07/22/2026
• Closing Date: 08/04/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division: Health Protection
• 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
• Public Health Sanitarian 3: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly
• Bargaining Unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Food, Pools and Lodging Services (FPLS) Section is seeking a dedicated Public Health Sanitarian 1, 2, or 3 to help protect public health by coordinating section activities at large festivals and events to ensure compliance with applicable rules and statutes. This position manages a caseload of FPLS-licensed establishments and assisted living facilities, monitoring compliance, 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, 2, and 3 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, 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.

Qualifications

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.

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 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.

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at heatlh.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department
Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.