Senior Sanitarian

Epidemiology•New Haven, CT

About The Position

Join our team as a Senior Sanitarian and play a critical role in protecting and promoting public health through environmental health investigation, education, and enforcement. This advanced-level position is ideal for an experienced, self-directed professional who thrives in both fieldwork and program development. Reporting to the Program Director, the Senior Sanitarian conducts complex inspections and investigations across a wide range of settings—from food establishments and childcare centers to hazardous materials and pollution control—ensuring compliance with public health regulations. In addition to their technical expertise, Senior Sanitarians contribute to program planning and may provide supervision and mentorship to junior staff, serving as both subject matter expert and community liaison. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is an advanced technical position pertaining to the investigational and educational activities of Environmental Health. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Program Director and is required to act independently. May at times serve as a working supervisor overseeing the work of Sanitarians. Senior Sanitarians conduct comprehensive investigations across various environmental health domains, such as hazardous materials, food protection, daycare centers, and pollution/vector control. They assess factors that impact public health and well-being, providing recommendations and if necessary, drafting corrective orders. Additionally, the Senior Sanitarians play a pivotal role in program planning and implementation, contributing expertise to improve and promote environmental health initiatives. They serve as vital liaisons, consulting with stakeholders interested in environmental health activities. Work is performed within existing laws, ordinances, policies, and regulations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in the Physical, Chemical, or Biological Sciences, Public Health, or Environmental Science
Plus a minimum of three years’ experience with investigation duties in environmental/public health.
Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques in governmental public health, sanitary, and pollution regulations.
Ability to develop a thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations relating to public health, sanitation, and pollution control, and ability to apply this knowledge in everyday job situations.
Aptitude for continuous learning and professional development to stay current on evolving trends and best practices in environmental health.
Knowledge of public health administration and organization.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, governmental and private agencies, the public, and other stakeholders, promoting collaboration and teamwork.
Ability to plan and execute work effectively, managing multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to effectively supervise the work of others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Self-motivation and a demonstrated willingness to take direction, showing adaptability and a proactive approach to tasks.
Ability to work independently under general supervision.
Familiarity with relevant software and technology tools for recording and documenting findings, record-keeping, reporting, and communication.
Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions under pressure, especially in urgent situations or when addressing critical safety concerns.
Ability to enforce regulations and to mediate related disputes with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment conducive to achieving common environmental health goals.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must, possess and maintain full certification as a Certified Food Inspector by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Food Protection Program. This includes the successful completion of the field standardization component of the training.
Must possess and maintain Lead Poisoning Inspector / Risk Assessor Certification from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Must obtain Phase I Subsurface Sewage Disposal Certification from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health within twelve (12) months from the date of employment.
Must possess or obtain licensure as a Connecticut Registered Sanitarian within the first 90 working days.
Must obtain and maintain any additional licensure and certifications as required by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Responsibilities

Investigates by observing, sampling, testing, and reporting in areas such as: o Hazardous materials o Food Protection o Lead poisoning prevention o Swimming pool and public bathing area sanitation o Salons and Tattoo/Body Piercing Establishments o Air pollution control o Insect and rodent control o School and institutional sanitation o Childcare Centers o Accident Prevention o Public health nuisance control ...and other factors of the environment that cause or have deleterious effect upon the health and well-being of the public.
Conducts special surveys related to environmental health; prepares reports and recommendations concerning findings.
Prepares reports, summaries, and provides recommendations concerning findings of investigations necessary to correct conditions and practices that violate regulations.
Drafts legal orders to correct conditions and practices that violate regulations and monitors the progress of corrective measures.
Records test data and prepares reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
Assists in Environmental Health program planning, development, and implementation.
Provides information to improve and promote environmental health programs.
Conducts educational activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of environmental health issues.
Consults with various local, state, and federal agencies involved in environmental health activities.
Performs related work as required.