Environmental Health Specialist

The City of Bloomington, MN is hiring an Environmental Health Specialist to conduct inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. The role involves working in various program areas, including food safety, rental housing, and pollution control, while fostering a positive work culture. The specialist will prepare reports, educate the public, and assist in legal proceedings, contributing to public health and safety.
Primary Objective

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to perform inspections, investigations, education and compliance work in the field of Environmental Health and to protect public health through enforcement of municipal and state codes. Applicable program areas include nuisance, zoning code inspections, and rental housing inspections.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS
• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embrace the City’s shared values and contribute towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties
• Perform inspections/investigations in a wide variety of facilities or settings to determine conformance with federal, state, and City codes; applicable program areas include: food safety assurance; rental housing; property maintenance; nuisance control; zoning code enforcement; wells; food and water-borne illness investigation; lodging sanitation; swimming pool safety and sanitation; beach water monitoring; noise, water and air pollution control; manufactured home parks and recreational camping areas; vector control; tanning and massage; body art; radon; laundromats; emergency response (i.e., spills, fires); and special events
• Inspect and obtain compliance in the Environmental Health Division’s programs
• Prepare inspections reports, issue written orders for violations and maintain records on violations and corrective actions
• Apply relevant codes to respective environmental health disciplines to ensure compliance
• Perform routine or specialized inspections when assigned
• Assist with plan reviews and on-site construction inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans
• Monitor noise, water and air pollution sources
• Perform inspections of air control devices in permitted facilities
• Conduct food and water-borne illness investigations at licensed establishments
• Prepare and disseminate environmental health reports
• Assist in legal proceedings by preparing and providing pertinent information
• Interact with City staff of other departments and divisions to provide effective training and compliance with regulations
• Communicate matters that are important to the City’s interest and the public’s health, safety, and welfare to the supervisor and manager
• Research and conduct education programs on environmental health topics, for example food safety, radon or lead awareness
• Assist in training employees
• Maintain credentials necessary for program areas
• Provide subject matter expertise as requested
• Assist in maintaining computer programs/software
• Conduct nuisance complaint investigations. Assist in responding, investigating, and resolving complicated nuisance issues
• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills
• Long and short-term goals are developed and met
• Work is completed on schedule
• Works effectively with team members and maintains effective working relationship with supervisor and manager
• Exercise good judgment in evaluating environmental health issues and proposing alternatives for conflict resolution
• Promptly identify and effect correction of violations
• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable federal, state and City regulations
• Reports and written communication are clear and accurate
• Effective oral communication
• Public communication is respectful and done in a professional manner
• Keeps up to date and complies with administrative policies and procedures
• Improves and updates environmental health knowledge and skills

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Biological or Physical Sciences, Public Health or closely related field
• Minnesota Department of Health or NEHA registered Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian or eligible to be registered within one year
• Valid driver’s license

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in one of the above fields
• Depending on specific needs of the Environmental Health Division at the time a position is open, specific experience in rental housing inspection, zoning code enforcement, nuisance control, or property maintenance code enforcement
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office, inspection, and geographic information software (GIS)
• Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English, that has a recognized presence in the community (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.)

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

This position does not supervise others

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Depending upon the assigned work area, there may be additional certifications, standardizations, or training to be completed or maintained
• Not remote

Anticipated Hiring Range: $44.65 – $49.22 Hourly

2024 Full Salary Range: $44.65 – $55.40 Hourly

Full-Time; Non-Exempt; Union (AFSCME); Benefits Eligible per Union Contract

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Benefits for regular, full-time employees of the City of Bloomington (with the exception of 24 hour firefighters and 24 hour fire fighter/paramedics) include the following:
• 10 days paid vacation per year
• 13 days paid personal leave per year
• 13 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee health and dental insurance
• Paid employee life insurance
• Paid employee disability insurance
• Employer/employee paid pension
• Deferred compensation
• Tuition assistance program
• Health club membership reimbursement
• Flexible spending account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Other optional benefits
• Great suburban location, on bus line
• Free employee parking
• (Union contracts may vary from the above list.)