Environmental Sanitarian - Public Health

Kenosha County • Kenosha, WI

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About The Position

Kenosha County Public Health is seeking a self-directed, adaptable Environmental Sanitarian to join its Environmental Health team. The position aims to protect and preserve a healthy environment for the well-being of Kenosha County residents through professional administration and enforcement of state statutes, administrative codes, and local ordinances. The role conducts compliance inspections and other public health work to prevent foodborne outbreaks and address human health hazards. It reports to the Environmental Sanitarian Supervisor.

The position conducts inspections and investigations involving food establishments, lodging and recreational facilities, water systems, public pools, tattoo and body-piercing establishments, and other regulated settings. It also reviews applications and plans, collects samples, provides technical assistance, collaborates with community partners, and participates in public health initiatives, staff development, and program evaluation. The role requires occasional evening and weekend work, and may require response at any time during public health emergencies and disease outbreak investigations.

The 2026 hiring range is $63,791–$75,941 annually. The position is based in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid volunteer time off, 12 paid holidays, retirement plan participation, and tuition reimbursement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental health, biology, chemistry, or public health; eligibility to sit for the REHS or Wisconsin RS credentialing exam; or current REHS or Wisconsin RS credential.
• Obtain Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) credential within three years of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Obtain annual continuing education credits required to renew certifications necessary for assigned duties.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Availability for occasional weekend and evening work as required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deadlines, communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, and serve the public with honesty and integrity.
• Ability to interact sensitively and effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and with people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles.
• Knowledge of environmental and public health statutes, codes, ordinances, applicable agency requirements, and the FDA Food Code.
• Knowledge of food- and waterborne disease outbreak investigations, sampling protocols, laboratory analysis, land survey methods, and radon mitigation techniques.
• Skill in critical and systems thinking, analysis, problem solving, judgment, oral and written communication, organization, time management, relationship building, outreach, and customer service.
• Proficient use of database programs, personal computers, and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• General mathematics and computational understanding, and familiarity with blueprint reading, construction procedures, development, and basic internet usage.
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment and to adapt with flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and commitment.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working in an environmental or public health field.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Certified Lead Risk Assessor (LRA) credential with the State of Wisconsin.
• Standardized in Wisconsin Food Code.
• Certified Pool Operator credential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and re-inspections of food establishments, schools, lodging facilities, campgrounds, mobile home parks, camps, public swimming pools, tourist rooming houses, tattoo and body-piercing establishments, special events, and vending machines for compliance with public health standards.
• Investigate complaints and recommend corrective and enforcement measures when needed.
• Investigate foodborne illnesses, including collecting food histories for epidemiological analysis.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct sanitary surveys of Transient Non-Community water systems and collect bacteria, E. coli, and nitrate samples to assess compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Cooperate with other municipalities on rabies control and enforcement of noise, light, and health ordinances.
• Conduct lead risk assessments in response to lead-poisoned children and determine corrective measures and enforcement as appropriate.
• Inspect gas pumps, price scanners, scales, and package weights for compliance with state statutes and standards for the City of Kenosha Weights and Measures Program.
• Investigate environmental health issues involving water, air, soil, or hazardous materials.
• Prepare accurate and detailed inspection and investigation reports.
• Review license applications, variance requests, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plans, lifeguard staffing plans, and construction or remodeling plans for code compliance.
• Respond to technical-assistance requests from residents, regulated entities, and governmental agencies.
• Collaborate in developing and leading community workgroups, committees, and coalitions related to environmental health and community-specific issues.
• Develop and implement equitable and innovative marketing and promotion plans supporting other health department work, including improving immunization rates and increasing blood lead testing.
• Participate in divisional orientation, training, staff development, staff meetings, and Community Health Improvement Planning.
• Promote departmental core values and strategic initiatives in daily service delivery.
• Participate in peer review and evaluation of program effectiveness.
• Follow HIPAA policies and procedures for protected health information.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, including potential 24/7 response during public health emergencies and disease outbreak investigations.

Benefits

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contributions through participation in a wellness program.
• Dental insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Vision insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Twelve paid holidays.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, including county-paid life insurance; employee contribution is required.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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