Environmental Health Specialist

City of Edina • 11 - Fire Station 2, MN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Edina is seeking a licensed Environmental Health Specialist I or II who is ready to make an immediate impact while growing within a collaborative, innovative, and forward-thinking public health team. This role is designed for a professional who already has the required certifications and experience to operate independently from day one—someone who values sound judgment, partnership, and continuous improvement over checklist enforcement. You will lead food establishment inspections and work directly with business owners, colleagues, and community partners to solve real-world public health challenges in a city that is engaged, supportive, and just complex enough to keep the work interesting. The Public Health Division is part of the Edina Fire Department and will be based at the newly constructed Fire Station #2 at 4401 76th St W, Edina, MN.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Food Science, Physical Sciences or related field.
• Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist, or the ability to obtain registration within 18 months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Biological Science, Sanitary Science, Food Science or related field
• A minimum of five years experience in regulatory environmental health.
• Must be a Registered Environmental Health Specialist
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Food Code and FDA Food Program Standards.
• Knowledge of governmental operations and departments.
• The ability to read and understand commercial blueprints.
• General knowledge of plumbing, mechanical and fire codes.
• The ability to perform work requiring a high degree of concentration and judgment in interpreting practices and procedures to solve problems.
• The ability to work independently and to prioritize work requests.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office software sufficient to manipulate data, draft reports and maintain records.
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences, persuade stakeholders, and to perform public speaking to the City Council and community and other groups, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read, understand and interpret complex and varied work-related materials.
• Demonstrates the desired standard of conduct and work performance including confidentiality and privacy requirements of the Health Division.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Pool Operator/Aquatic Facilities Operator Certificate.
• Standardized Food Inspection Officer.
• A standardized Food Inspection Officer is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead food establishment inspections with an emphasis on education, compliance, and risk reduction
• Apply professional judgment to evaluate conditions affecting public health
• Collaborate with operators and partners to achieve practical, sustainable solutions
• Support additional Environmental Health programs and cross-functional initiatives
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts
• Performs inspections and investigations in a wide variety of facilities and environments to determine compliance with federal, state, and City codes.
• Protect public health and safety by conducting inspections and investigations, providing education, and encouraging voluntary compliance with City Codes.
• Coordinate activities and perform lead work duties in assigned program areas.

Benefits

• Competitive, market-based salary
• Strong leadership and a supportive, people-centered City culture
• Opportunities to influence Environmental Health work at the City, State, and National level
• Ongoing training, conferences, networking, and continuing education
• City-provided vehicles for inspections and field work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level