Sanitarian I

Calhoun County Government • Battle Creek, MI

7d • $29 - $36 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Program Supervisor, the Sanitarian I conducts and assists with permit issuance, complaint investigations, water sample collection, food service establishment inspections, and enforcement of the Calhoun County Sanitation and Food Code and applicable state and federal rules and regulations. The position conducts inspections, evaluations, and plan reviews; evaluates water quality data and land suitability for onsite sewage disposal; provides environmental health education; and supports public health investigations and emergency response.

The role works in both office and field environments, with daily travel between county locations. It is hybrid eligible and flexible schedule eligible. The employee may be exposed to noise, fumes, odors, dust, dirt, molds, wet or dry conditions, infectious disease, and bloodborne pathogens, and may encounter threatening people or other dangerous situations. On-call availability for emergencies is required, and extended workdays, weekends, or holidays may be needed.

The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027, or later; the County cannot accommodate a start date before January 4, 2027. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The wage range is $28.86–$36.22 USD.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours of basic science coursework.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide courteous and accurate information, including in stressful situations for families.
• Good computer skills for regular email communication and collecting data on electronic forms or formatted spreadsheets.
• Ability to frequently manage simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail amid frequent interruptions from people or telephone calls.
• Ability to frequently climb and/or kneel and periodically stoop or bend.
• Ability to frequently walk and/or stand for extended periods, perform repetitive movements, and/or work in confined areas.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and personal vehicle with proof of insurance.
• Availability to be on call for program-related and public health emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, evaluations, and plan reviews required by state law or local regulation.
• Issue sewage disposal permits, well permits, and temporary food licenses, and evaluate special cases for resolution.
• Enforce the Calhoun County Sanitation Code and other authorized rules and regulations.
• Enforce applicable requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act for non-community well water supplies.
• Investigate complaints.
• Evaluate state and private water laboratory data for compliance with state and EPA water quality standards.
• Evaluate vacant land for onsite sewage disposal suitability and issue written reports.
• Provide environmental health public education.
• Assist with foodborne disease outbreak and other environmental investigations.
• Assist other local and state agencies on matters affecting public health and resident welfare.
• Communicate and coordinate with departments and local and state programs through written and oral reports.
• Serve on local and state committees.
• Assist in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Participate in team and general staff meetings.
• Participate in public health quality programs, including Quality Improvement, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control.
• Participate in required emergency exercises and training.
• Assess professional development needs and participate in education to increase relevant knowledge and skills.
• Follow established policies and procedures and maintain client confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 6.47 hours per pay period for hourly employees or 4.2 weeks annually for salaried employees.
• 14 paid holidays per year.
• Hybrid work and flexible scheduling for eligible positions.
• 401(k) with up to 7% County match.
• Near-site clinic providing preventative and primary care with on-site medications.
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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