Environmental Health Specialist

Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture • Work-life fit• Well-being • Employee-focused • Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.

Job Description

This position helps to achieve the goals of the environmental health division through field inspections, plan reviews, and conferring with contractors, homeowners, architects, business owners/operators and engineers. This is to be accomplished through the use of various codes, ordinances and educational materials as tools to achieve desired outcomes of maintaining public health and safety with regard to environmental health issues that affect the community.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct accurate, timely field inspections of all food, beverage and lodging facilities.
• Conduct field inspections of all other facilities licensed through environmental health including: swimming pools, spas, pet shops, massage, tattoo, institutions and garbage trucks.
• Conduct epidemiological investigations, as necessary, of public health complaints including foodborne/waterborne illnesses and ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent further spread of illness.
• Compile, analyze and synthesize data for production of summary reports for state and federal reporting.
• Conduct other investigations, as may be necessary or requested, regarding water supply, housing, solid wastes, insects and rodents, recreational facilities, other general environmental and nuisance complaints, and air, water and noise pollution to ensure compliance.
• Write compliance orders, conducting re-inspections and implementing appropriate enforcement actions when necessary.
• Work with violators to achieve code compliance through the use of written orders, citations, abatement agreements, etc.
• Communicate clearly and directly by phone, mail and in person, answering questions and giving advice on codes and ordinances related to environmental health issues. Maintain accurate records of all inspections, orders written and actions taken.

• Assist in completion of plan reviews for proposed buildings which have food service capacity or other facilities licensed through the environmental health division to ensure that all facilities have approved equipment and are structurally compliant.
• Assist in conducting meetings with contractors, owners, architects, business owners/operators, engineers and other inspectors regarding environmental health codes and ordinances relating to new and remodeled construction.
• Educate and verify the proper use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles in high risk establishments.
• Handles emergency calls related to environmental health when needed.
• Promote wellness and environmental awareness among the community, city employees and schools.
• Keeps current on relevant environmental health issues.
• Assist in collecting and retaining information.
• Assist with training and assigning work to seasonal interns.
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A commitment to and belief in Minnetonka's shared values.
• A bachelor of science degree in food science, biology, chemistry, environmental health
• or other related field.
• Three months of relevant work experience.
• Successful completion of registered sanitarian/environmental health specialist
• examination within the first 24 months of employment.
• Experience enforcing related codes and ordinances (MN food code, pool code etc.)
• Possesses a valid driver's license.

• Food manager certification.
• Swimming pool operator certification.
• FDA standardized inspector certification.
• Masters degree in food science, biology, chemistry, environmental health or other
• related field.
• Coursework or training in mediation and/or conflict resolution.

Additional Information

Knowledge of:

• All pertinent federal, state, local codes, ordinances and environmental health issues that
• affect the community.
• Food-borne illness and preventive measures.
• Swimming pool operation, maintenance, chemicals, biological and chemical hazards.

• Operation and handling of various instruments/tools including: thermometers,
• thermocouples, pool test kits, noise and light meters and other tools.
• Operation and use of personal computers and software.

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with business operators, homeowners, staff,
• governing bodies, outside agencies, contractors, architects, engineers and the general public.
• Read and comprehend establishment plans and specification sheets.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other
• departments, outside agencies, establishment operators and citizens.
• Maintain confidential information, prioritize duties and to work both independently and a
• contributing team member.
• Remember facts and circumstances and properly document them for future reference.
• Interpret and enforce laws, codes and ordinances in a fair and impartial manner.
• Meet and communicate with businesses and the public, tactfully and with courtesy, yet
• being firm in the need for compliance.
• Drive vehicle to and from inspections and investigations.
• Make good field judgments as situations arise.

Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you’re unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.

How to Apply:

Hiring Process:

• Open Job Posting: Requisition is open and accepting applications.
• Selection Process: Qualified applicants join a candidate pool. Hiring managers select candidates for interviews and/or assessments. You’ll be notified if selected.
• Pre-Employment Screening: This may include a driver's license, a criminal history background check, a drug test, a physical exam, a work assessment or simulation, and, if education-based, proof of qualifications.

Contact Us:
For position-related questions, email Katie Xiong at Kxiong@minnetonkamn.gov.

Veteran’s Preference:
Veterans can request preference under MN Statute 197.455 by submitting a DD214 with their application.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.

Visit our Benefits page for more information.