Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental Health Specialist

Salary

$61,356.76 - $92,035.14 Annually

Location

Hazelwood Professional Center, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00334

Department

Public Health

Opening Date

07/20/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

Union

Unrepresented

FLSA Status

exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

This vacancy in the community environmental health program will work collaboratively to ensure compliance with various public health ordinances and state rules The major focus of this position will be inspecting food and lodging establishments, public pools and manufactured home parks licensed by Ramsey County. This position will also investigate reports of public health nuisances. The ideal candidate will have knowledge or experience in food, pool, lodging regulation and compliance.

To perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this job, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list of job descriptions.

Examples of Work Performed

• Regularly inspect solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, state rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
• Conduct inspections of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children's camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action. Investigate public health nuisance complaints. Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
• Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
• Maintain and update Ramsey County dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
• Monitor solid waste haulers compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Finance and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
• Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mecury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
• Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with county ordinances and state and federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey Countys environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
• Assist in coordinating Ramsey Countys yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites and ensuring the yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
• Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
• Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
• Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and work together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the positions management approved work schedule is required.)

Essential Functions: 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12

Minimum Qualifications

For positions in the Food, Beverage and Lodging Inspections and Hazardous and Solid Waste Inspections:

Education: Bachelors degree in environmental health, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences.

Experience: None.

Certifications/Licensure: A valid drivers' license.

Employee must have the following state certification, within 18 months of appointment: Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as required by the Delegation Agreements between Ramsey County and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health

Exam/Screening Process Information

Please upload transcripts for education that includes at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in physical, chemical, or biological sciences.

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The Training & Experience Rating will be based on the supplemental questionnaire that you need to complete as part of your application. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training & experience rating. Please be sure to be complete in your answers and do not mark "see resume" or "see work history". Failure to clearly and completely outline your training & experience could adversely affect your rank on the eligible list for this classification.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process and file a properly completed application shall be placed on the eligible list for employment as an Environmental Health Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.

Veterans Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veterans preference should update their DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

In addition, you may be subject to one or more of the following:

In addition you will be subject to a pre-employment health screening.

E-Verify Participation Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application(Download PDF reader). You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@RamseyCountyMN.gov

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

• MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered

• VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program

• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off

• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)

• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits

• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match

• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking

• Fully funded Metropass.

• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being

• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

• Wellness programming

• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave

• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

• Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

• Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development

• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey Countys 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

• Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
• Yes
• No

02

Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or are currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.

• HIRED Partnership Program
• Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership Program
• Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
• Ramsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)
• Fellowship at Ramsey County
• Limited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey County
• Provisional Assignment at Ramsey County
• Temporary Opportunity at Ramsey County
• Work Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)
• Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey County
• No, I have not participated in any of the above

03

Do you have a Bachelors degree in environmental health, sanitary sciences, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical or biological sciences?

• Yes
• No

04

If you indicated in question #3 that you have a degree or college credits, please describe below the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion, and degree name/college courses. If you do not have a degree/college credits, please write NA in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.

05

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

06

Which of the following best describes your experience interacting with people from backgrounds or identities that differ from your own (for example, culture, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or lifestyle)? Check all that apply.

• I have had little or no experience interacting with people from backgrounds or identities that differ from my own.
• I have personal, everyday life experience interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
• I have experience in a professional or volunteer role where my coworkers or community members represented a variety of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
• I have participated in education, training, or community activities focused on working with or learning from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

07

This regulatory position conducts inspections, investigate complaints, write reports, and work with clients and the public. What is your professional, volunteer, or educational experience in this area?

• I have no experience.
• I have less than one year experience.
• I have between one and two years of experience
• I have more than two years of experience

08

Which of the following areas do you have knowledge or experience? Check all that apply.

• I have managed hazardous waste generated by myself or at my organization.
• I have completed coursework or certifications in hazardous materials or waste management.
• I have performed hazardous waste regulatory inspections.
• I have work experience in the food, lodging or pool industry.
• I have completed coursework or certifications in food safety, pool safety, or lodging/housing compliance.
• I have performed food, pool, lodging or housing regulatory inspections.
• I have internship experience in a hazardous/solid waste program or a food, pool, and lodging program.
• None of the above.

09

Have you held an intern, temporary or fellowship position with Ramsey County Environmental Health?

• Yes
• No

10

Select the option that best describes your experience leading projects, or initiatives, or serving as a subject matter expert. Include experience building and maintaining effective professional relationships.

• I have led multiple projects, or initiatives and served as a subject matter expert. I have built strong professional relationships across departments or organizations.
• I have led a project, or initiative or served as a subject matter expert. I have experience building effective working relationships.
• I have contributed to a team or project and occasionally provided guidance or expertise. I have some experience working with others to maintain relationships.
• I have limited experience with leadership or subject matter roles and minimal experience with professional relationship-building.
• I have no experience in project work, or professional relationship-building.

11

Select the option that best describes your experience managing workload and time from the beginning of a task or project through to completion, including how you prioritize and adapt to changing deadlines.

• I regularly manage multiple complex tasks or projects independently, prioritize effectively, and adjust plans as needed to meet tight or shifting deadlines.
• I often manage multiple tasks or projects with some complexity, prioritize based on deadlines, and occasionally adjust plans to handle changes.
• I manage tasks with supervision or guidance, use basic prioritization methods, and occasionally adjust my approach when needed.
• I have limited experience managing my own workload or prioritizing tasks; I typically follow direction and set priorities given by others.
• I have no relevant experience managing workload or time independently.

12

For questions 6-11, please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). Do not write "see resume" or "see application" If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.

13

I understand that I will be asked to complete additional pre-employment health screenings, such as TB screening, complete medical clearance and fit testing for use of an N95 respirator and provide immunization history.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Ramsey County

Address 121 East Seventh Place

Mail Stop 5200

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Phone (651) 266-2700

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ramsey/default.cfm