ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

Linn County is hiring an Environmental Health Technician in Cedar Rapids, IA, to support public health programs through inspections, investigations, and data management related to environmental health. Responsibilities include managing septic program operations, conducting inspections, responding to public health complaints, and providing education on safety topics. Candidates need an associate degree in an environmental health field and two years of relevant experience. Competitive wages and benefits are offered.
Description Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do. Why do we do this. We get that question a lot.

The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public.

Why work at Linn County. Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget) Access to medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS) Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees Free on-site fitness centers 12 paid holidays per year Hourly Wage: $25.73/$26.50* *Effective 7/1/26 About Environmental Health Technician: Under general supervision, the Environmental Health Technician performs field and office-based technical work in support of Linn County Public Health's environmental and community health programs. The technician assists with inspections, investigations, education, sample collection, and documentation related to private sewage disposal, private wells, food and aquatic safety, vector control, solid waste, indoor and outdoor air quality, rabies exposure, and other environmental public health areas

Essential Functions Manages septic program operations including maintenance agreements, application processing, site mapping using GIS/satellite data, data collection, reporting, and client communication to ensure regulatory compliance. Collects and manages environmental health data related to septic systems, wells, and water supplies; collects water samples and coordinates laboratory testing as required. Responds to public records requests and prepares reports, letters, and official correspondence for local, state, and federal agencies and regulated entities.

Conducts inspections, investigations, and compliance activities related to Environmental Public Health programs including septic and well systems, unhealthy housing, air quality, tattoo and tanning establishments, and other regulated activities. Investigates public health complaints including nuisances, unsanitary conditions, animal bites (including quarantine coordination and specimen transport), vermin, and potential foodborne illness outbreaks; performs follow-up monitoring and enforcement actions as necessary. Issues and monitors open burning permits in accordance with applicable codes.

Assists with food recalls and outbreak investigations, including sample collection and transport for laboratory analysis. Provides public education and outreach on environmental public health topics including aquatic safety, food safety, mosquito monitoring, open burning, and minor source compliance; participates in community health and safety events. Monitors seasonal mosquito populations significant to public health.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements Associate degree in an environmental health field (e.g., housing, hygiene, air pollution, radiation health, occupational health, community noise, water and wastewater, solid wastes, milk and food sanitation, vector control) required. At least two (2) years of work experience in positions related to public health, environmental health or public sanitation required. Valid State of Iowa Driver's License required

Position requires indoor and outdoor work, with potentially ongoing exposure to elements, including undesirable conditions which may include heat, cold, exposure to noise from kitchen equipment, live and dead animals, human and animal waste, odors and smells, filthy environments, cleaning solvents, noxious air emissions and construction environments, etc. Ability to obtain professional certification as a Certified Pool Operator within six (6) months of hire. Ability to obtain certification as a Commercial Pest Control Operator within one (1) year of hire.

Must participate in IDNR (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) Time of Transfer training and CIOWTS (Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems) training within two (2) years of hire. Shift Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Read the full description here: Environmental Health Technician job description Learn more about Linn County Public Health here: Public Health Website