Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian - Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Working Title: Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian

Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 97588

• Location : Duluth

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 11/06/2026.

• Date Posted : 10/31/2026

• Closing Date : 11/13/2026

• Hiring Agency : Health Department

• Division : Health Protection

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 50% of the time

• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly

• Bargaining Unit : 214 - MN Associaiton of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Join a mission-driven team in the Environmental Health division and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian in the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section you will help protect public health in the use and consumption of water via the implementation and enforcement of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and other Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) rules as they pertain to noncommunity public water systems (NPWS), and to provide other core public health functions for the MDH Drinking Water Protection Section.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Manage a sanitary survey, inner-wellhead inspection and source water contamination inventory workload of transient and nonntransient NCPWS in assigned area, ensuring each facility is in compliance with the SDWA and other applicable laws and regulations.

• Manage the collection, submission, and/or analysis of water samples from noncommunity public water systems to determine compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Standards of the SDWA and conduct technical inspections based on water sample results.

• Investigate and assist in resolving all potential waterborne contamination incidents and illnesses, and other emergency situations as requested, so that the health of the public is protected.

• Evaluate noncommunity systems in order to obtain baseline data to support related program activities, such as monitoring waivers, source water protection grants, and federal SDWA inventory data.

• Conduct primary enforcement activities for unresolved SDWA violations. Document violations, requesting and participating in appropriate enforcement activities for transient and nontransient NCPWS.

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. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50miles 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 belegally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application .

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

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.

To become credentialed in Minnesota as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) a candidate may apply to sit for the NEHA computer-based REHS/RS exam, taken at an approved Pearson VUE testing location, OR apply for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity (when currently registered by NEHA or registered in another state as an REHS/RS ).

Additional requirements to be assessed during the interview:

• Verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with owners, managers, and employees, in a variety of environments including while loud equipment is operating.

• 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).

• Knowledge in the areas of public health: environmental science, epidemiology, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology and working knowledge of the procedures for investigating waterborne illnesses.

• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, rules and standards including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minnesota Well Code and Minnesota procedures for enforcement.

• Ability to recognize and communicate potential risks for disease transmission and deviations from public health standards.

• Knowledge of what constitutes legal evidence and strict attention to detail in completing forms, following procedures, and documenting work.

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 the successful completion of a background check and employment reference check,

• This position does not require a valid driver’s license, but it demands travel which the candidate will be 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.