Sanitarian I - Land and Water

Ingham County•Lansing, MI

About The Position

Under the supervision of an Environmental Health Programs Supervisor, the Sanitarian I inspects commercial, residential, and public locations in the County to enforce federal, state, and County sanitation and environmental health laws and safeguard public health. The position investigates complaints about environmental health violations, assists the public with sanitation and environmental health questions, and recommends or initiates corrective and abatement actions. The role covers a broad range of environmental health programs, including food service establishments, public water supplies and wells, swimming pools and beaches, on-site wastewater treatment systems, hazardous materials, licensed establishments, and lead poisoning prevention. Duties include inspections, permit decisions, sampling and interpreting laboratory results, reviewing plans, educating the public and regulated businesses, preparing reports, coordinating with government agencies, and supporting emergency preparedness. In the Disease Control Division, the position performs lead hazard screenings and investigations, educates families, coordinates equipment loans, and communicates findings to relevant parties. The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health or a related field, a valid Michigan driver's license, and effective communication skills. It is an entry-level role and requires no prior experience. Work includes travel throughout the County, outdoor duties in varied weather, exposure to environmental hazards and hazardous household waste, and interactions with potentially hostile individuals. Physical tasks include walking over uneven terrain, climbing, crawling, bending, kneeling, excavating soil, and carrying inspection equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants who cannot fulfill one or more listed requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health or a related field.
No previous experience required; this is an entry-level position.
Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license.
Effective communication skills, including engaging, interacting, and working with individuals to ensure clarity and understanding.
Ability to travel throughout the County to conduct inspections.
Ability to enter and access information using a computer.
Ability to carry and use inspection equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to walk over uneven terrain; climb ladders; crawl in crawl spaces and under houses; bend, stoop, and kneel; and use shovels, hand augers, and hooks for inspection tasks.

Responsibilities

Inspect businesses, residences, and public locations to enforce sanitation and environmental health laws.
Inspect establishments and determine eligibility for required licenses and permits, including food service establishments, vending machines, public water supplies, pools, campgrounds, waste disposal sites, child care institutions, and tattoo facilities.
Order corrections of deficiencies and conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
Educate food service managers on food safety, menus, consumer advisories, employee hygiene, and sanitation practices; periodically present food service sanitation classes.
Consult with applicants for on-site wastewater treatment permits; evaluate soils and site conditions, issue or deny permits, design systems when issuing permits, and inspect construction for compliance.
Respond to public complaints and questions about sanitation and environmental health and advise on prevention or resolution of problems.
Evaluate sites for water well development; authorize or deny drilling permits, advise on plugging abandoned wells, sample well water, and interpret laboratory results.
Evaluate wells and on-site sewage treatment systems before sale, recommend repairs or corrective procedures, consult on reconstruction, and certify findings to lending institutions.
Visit facilities handling or storing hazardous or potentially polluting materials and recommend compliance measures; assist citizens and industries with proper handling.
Inspect public swimming pools, measure water chemical properties, assess swimmer health and safety protections, and recommend closure or reopening when warranted.
Inspect and sample public bathing beaches.
Prepare reports on inspection activities and recommend action for violations; participate as a witness in court cases when needed.
Review plans and specifications for new construction or remodeling of licensed establishments for compliance with environmental health standards.
Investigate food-borne disease outbreaks, determine causes and sources, and initiate measures to minimize recurrence.
Investigate environmental health hazards and nuisances and initiate actions to abate or prevent them.
Consult with individuals, citizen groups, and agencies on preventing health hazards; coordinate with other government units on evaluations and abatement orders.
Work with state agencies and other government units to resolve environmental and public health problems and support emergency preparedness.
Serve as information coordinator for the Local Emergency Planning Committee, SARA, Title III, and the Ingham County Hazmat Team.
Perform lead poisoning prevention services, hazard screenings and assessments, follow-ups, and environmental investigations involving children with elevated blood lead levels.
Educate families about lead poisoning prevention and convey findings to families and relevant public health personnel and property owners on a need-to-know basis.
Prepare lead inspection and hazard-screen reports, coordinate HEPA-vacuum loans, correspond with agencies about home inspections, participate on committees, update forms and questionnaires, and distribute informational materials at health fairs.
Perform similar or related duties during a public health emergency as required.