Environmental Health Specialist Senior



Job Details

Environmental Health Specialist Senior

This listing closes on 6/23/2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada).

Employer

Ramsey County

Salary

$71,778.73 - $107,668.10 Annually

Location

Hazelwood Professional Center, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2025-00096

Department

Public Health

Division

EnvHlth/SolWasteAdm

Opening Date

06/06/2025

Closing Date

6/23/2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Union
Unrepresented
FLSA Status
exempt

Basic Function


This position within the Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation and Compliance Program offers an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure adherence to county and state regulations. The primary responsibilities include conducting inspections of businesses that generate hazardous waste, assisting businesses with licensing requirements, and performing pre-demolition inspections to verify the safe removal and proper disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with all applicable laws. The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge and experience in solid and hazardous waste regulation and compliance and conducting inspections.

 

To professionally represent the program, division, department and county in a public facing role working with the regulated community, and general public, lead large projects or areas with ongoing timelines relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.


To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job description for this job, go to:
Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list of job descriptions.


Flexible Workplace This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.


Examples of Work Performed

  1. Regularly inspect and assist team members with solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, State rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
  2. Conduct inspections and assist team members of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children’s camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations.  Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action.  Investigate public health nuisance complaints.  Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
  3. Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mercury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
  4. Maintain and update Ramsey County Dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
  5. Monitor solid waste haulers’ compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Office of Budgeting and Accounting and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
  6. Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with County ordinances and State and Federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance. 
  7. Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey County's environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
  8. Assist in coordinating Ramsey County's yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites; ensuring that yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
  9. Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
  10. Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
  11. Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks.  Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
  12. Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and works together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.
  13. Lead training of new employees, and participate in internship, temporary employee, fellowship hiring and coordination of work duties.


(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification.  Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1,6,7,9,10,12,13

Minimum Qualifications

For positions in the Food, Beverage and Lodging Inspections and Hazardous and Solid Waste Inspections:


Education: Bachelor's Degree in environmental health, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health, natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences.


Experience:  Two years of experience as an Environmental Health Specialist or equivalent.


Substitution: A Master’s Degree can substitute for 1 year of experience.


Certifications/Licensure:  A valid drivers’ license. 


For positions in food, pool, lodging inspections: Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) within 18 months as required by the Delegation Agreements between Ramsey County and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health 



Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for  Environmental Health Specialist Senior will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. Please answer all of the supplemental questions clearly and completely, failure to do so may affect your ability to move forward in the hiring process.

Eligible List:
The names of all applicants who have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as  a Environmental Health Specialist Senior. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

In addition you will be subject to a pre-employment health screening.  



E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application. For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@co.ramsey.mn.us

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
    • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
    • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
    • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
    • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
 
  • Pre-tax Benefit Program
    • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
    • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
 
  • Paid time off
    • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
    • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
    • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
    • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
    • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
 
  • Retirement benefits
    • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
    • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
    • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
    • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
 
  • Transit and parking
    • Fully funded Metropass.
    • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
 
  • Employee well-being
    • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
    • Wellness programming
    • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
 
  • Life Insurance and Disability leave
    • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available 
    • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
    • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
 
  • Career development
    • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
    • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
    • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
    • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Please select "yes" if you have read and understand.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have a valid Drivers License?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in environmental health, physical sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences or related environmental health, natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Please list your completed degree and field of study.
06
Which of the following best describes your experience interacting with people from various ethnic and cultural groups? Check all that apply.
  • I have no experience with various ethnic and cultural groups
  • I have personal, everyday life experience with people from various ethnic and cultural groups
  • I have experience in a professional/volunteer position where my coworkers had various ethnic or cultural backgrounds
  • I have experience in a professional/volunteer position where clients had various ethnic or cultural backgrounds
07
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
08
Please select your professional or volunteer experience conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and writing reports. What is your professional, volunteer, or educational experience in this area?
  • 1 year of experience
  • 2 years of experience
  • 3 years of experience
  • More than 3 years of experience
09
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
10
Which of the following areas do you have knowledge or experience? Check all that apply.
  • I have managed hazardous waste generated by myself or at my organization
  • I have completed coursework or certifications in hazardous materials or waste management
  • I have performed hazardous waste regulatory inspections
  • I have work experience in the food, lodging or pool industry
  • I have completed coursework or certifications in food safety, pool safety, or lodging/housing compliance
  • I have performed food, pool, lodging or housing regulatory inspections
  • I have internship experience in a hazardous/solid waste program or a food, pool, and lodging program
  • None of the above
11
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
12
Select the option that best describes your experience leading projects, or initiatives, or serving as a subject matter expert. Include experience building and maintaining effective professional relationships.
  • I have led multiple projects, or initiatives and served as a subject matter expert. I have built strong professional relationships across departments or organizations
  • I have led a project, or initiative or served as a subject matter expert. I have experience building effective working relationships
  • I have contributed to a team or project and occasionally provided guidance or expertise. I have some experience working with others to maintain relationships
  • I have limited experience in with leadership or subject matter roles and minimal experience with professional relationship-building
  • I have no experience in project work, or professional relationship-building
13
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
14
Select the option that best describes your experience managing workload and time from the beginning of a task or project through to completion, including how you prioritize and adapt to changing deadlines.
  • I regularly manage multiple complex tasks or projects independently, prioritize effectively, and adjust plans as needed to meet tight or shifting deadlines
  • I often manage multiple tasks or projects with some complexity, prioritize based on deadlines, and occasionally adjust plans to handle changes
  • I manage tasks with supervision or guidance, use basic prioritization methods, and occasionally adjust my approach when needed
  • I have limited experience managing my own workload or prioritizing tasks; I typically follow direction and set priorities given by others
  • I have no relevant experience managing workload or time independently
15
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
16
What is your experience educating or training others? Check all that apply.
  • I have no experience
  • I have experience in giving presentations to large groups in educational or professional settings
  • I have one or more years of experience training others on tasks related to their job in a volunteer or professional settings
17
Please list where you gained this experience, a brief description of your duties and dates of employment or volunteering (mo/yr to mo/yr). do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” Do not cut and paste resume as a response. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the space below.
18
I understand that I will be asked to complete additional pre-employment health screenings, such as TB screening, complete medical clearance and fit testing for use of an N95 respirator and provide immunization history.
  • Yes
  • No

* Required Question

Employer
Ramsey County
Phone
(651) 266-2700
Website
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ramsey/default.cfm
Address
121 East Seventh Place
Mail Stop 5200
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

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