Sanitarian

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the “Impact Award” from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary: 

Inspects commercial, residential, and public locations in the county to enforce federal, state, and county sanitation and environmental health laws to safeguard the public health.

Starting Wage:  $28.54 per hour, full-time  ($30.68 per hour for Registered Sanitarian)

Excellent Benefits Plan: Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Inspects and evaluates premises and establishments having public health significance to ensure compliance with food and sanitary regulations.
2. Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to all environmental health activities. Approves licenses and issues permits for facilities.
3. Investigates complaints involving possible water pollution or contamination.
4. Inspects licensed food service establishments for cleanliness, proper food handling practices, and compliance with sanitation standards.  Inspects and licenses temporary food facilities.
5. Investigates food service complaints regarding improper food service practices, suspected food-borne illness outbreaks or adulterated food. 
6. Issues verbal and written orders to correct violations, re-inspects to insure compliance, collects samples, takes pictures, prepares reports and initiates legal action, with approval of supervisor.  Testifies at hearings and in court as necessary.
7. Reviews plans, blueprints and specifications for construction of new facilities or renovation of existing structures for compliance with environmental health standards.
8. Works with various state agencies to jointly resolve environmental and public health problems.
9. May post unsafe water supplies or unsafe bathing areas or other facilities deemed harmful to the public welfare.
10. Meets with community groups and local agencies regarding prevention and resolution of environmental health problems.  Provides education and technical assistance to the public regarding sanitation and environmental health matters.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health or related field required. 
• Possession of a valid Michigan Driver's License.