Sanitarian I

The Board of Health for Madison and Dane County has a full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Sanitarian I position in Madison, WI.

The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies of the same classification over the next six (6) months. All are encouraged to apply.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

This is the entry level of the Public Health Sanitarian series. Under the supervision of the Environmental Health Services Supervisor, this work is characterized by regulatory public health sanitation and environmental health fieldwork. The Sanitarian I performs with assistance field inspections and complaint investigations related to environmental health with oversight and guidance by the Environmental Health Services Supervisor and/or Lead Worker and assists in the promotion of accepted principles of sanitation and environmental health and enforcement of City and County health laws and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Sanitarian I’s work assignments are more structured, intense and closely reviewed. They are performed with an increasing level of autonomy once applicable standards, policies and procedures are learned. The Sanitarian I assists in the promotion of accepted principles of sanitation and enforcement of the health laws in Dane County and the City of Madison. Inspects, consults and obtains compliance with health ordinances, codes and standards in general sanitation. Evaluates sanitary applications and their compliance with state code. Educates and trains operators and the community on regulatory code requirements and public health services. Performs miscellaneous administrative activities, schedules appointments and daily work, reviews inspection files, consults with other departments, writes letters, and issues written complaints and reports. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Although not all duties may be required or listed, the following are examples of duties a Sanitarian I may perform:

LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS: Performs field inspections of a variety of licensed establishments with an emphasis on food establishments for compliance with state and local health codes. Assists in the investigation of foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Collects samples in the field. Documents violations, requires corrective action and re-inspects to ensure compliance with health codes. Provides onsite consultation and education to food, pool, lodging facility operators or other special trainings as assigned.
 
WELL AND SEPTIC PROGRAM: Reviews permit applications and inspects private water wells and onsite wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with established environmental health laws and regulations. Collects samples and issue orders as appropriate. Consults with professionals and members of the public.

Education, Training and Experience: 

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental health, public health sanitation, sanitary or soil science, biological sciences or related fields.  

After having at least four (4) years of regulatory public health sanitation and environmental health fieldwork experience, having possession of a State of Wisconsin or National Environmental Health Association Registered Sanitarian credential, satisfactorily meeting applicable criteria and requirements, and being able to work with a higher degree of judgment, discretion and autonomy, individuals in this classification may advance to the Sanitarian II classification.

Certifications/Licenses: 
Sanitarian I must become a Registered Sanitarian within five (5) years of employment. In the event a Dane County employee in the Sanitarian classification is unable to obtain the Registered Sanitarian certification within five (5) years of employment, their employment will be terminated.
 
Sanitarian I inspecting retail food establishments is required to pass initial State Standardization exercises within two (2) years of starting their food safety training, after which they are required to maintain their State Standardization in good standing.
 
Sanitarian I inspecting wells and septic systems is required to obtain State of Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credential, State of Wisconsin Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector License, and Well Location Inspector Level I certification within six (6) months of hire. 

Other certifications required will depend on the duties assigned. 

Special Requirements: 

Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have access to reliable personal motor vehicle transportation, or equivalent.   As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations.  A list will be provided at the time of the job offer. 

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g. the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

* If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements: 

Lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less. Intermittently sit at a desk while studying or preparing reports. Twist to reach equipment or materials. Stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb, and bend while performing inspection duties.  Grasping and fine finger manipulations. Use a phone, write or use a keyboard to communicate. Ability to physically access and inspect diverse locations requiring stamina and agility.  Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental health. Working knowledge of environmental health and related scientific theory and practices applicable to food safety, environmental contamination, communicable diseases, sanitation and health nuisance abatement. Some knowledge of chemistry and bacteriology and its relation to water, milk, and food safety. Knowledge of health and safety laws and codes and their practical application. Some knowledge of city and county ordinances, state laws, rules and administrative codes relative to environmental health programs. Ability to recognize health law violations and recommend changes. Ability to perform all types of environmental inspections and use appropriate field equipment. Ability to secure pertinent information through inspections and to analyze, interpret and make corrections based on this information. Ability to perform and interpret required physical and chemical tests. Ability to effectively use computers in the office and in the field while conducting inspections. Ability to use safety and personal protective equipment as needed. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to prepare clear and concise, effective reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local health officials and the general public. Ability to respond to public health emergencies.