Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian - Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Up to 50% telework

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Health is hiring a Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian in Duluth. You will protect public health through SDWA enforcement, conduct sanitary surveys, water sampling, and emergency response activities within the Drinking Water Protection Section.

The role requires REHS/RS credential or quest to obtain within two years, with a strong focus on inspection accuracy and enforcement. This full-time position offers up to 50% telework, a day shift, and travel up to 50% as needed.

Qualifications

• Verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with owners, managers, and employees.
• Written communications skills sufficient to document concise, accurate, and complete information and observations.
• Critical thinking skills sufficient to collect and analyze information, identify areas of focus, and make decisions based on evidence gathered.

Responsibilities

• Manage a sanitary survey, inner-wellhead inspection and source water contamination inventory workload for assigned area, ensuring facilities comply with SDWA and other laws.
• Manage collection, submission, and analysis of water samples from noncommunity PWS to determine compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Standards and conduct inspections based on results.
• Investigate and assist in resolving potential waterborne contamination incidents and illnesses and other emergencies.
• Evaluate noncommunity systems to obtain baseline data supporting program activities (waivers, grants, SDWA inventory).
• Conduct primary enforcement actions for unresolved SDWA violations; document violations and participate in enforcement actions.

Skills

Verbal and listening skills

Written communications

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental health or related field

Master's degree in environmental health or related field

REHS/RS Certification eligibility within 2 years

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

• Job ID: 97588
• Location: Duluth
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 11/06/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/31/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division: Health Protection
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50% of the time
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly
• Bargaining Unit: 214 - MN Associaiton of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian

Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 1 or 2

Agency: Health Department

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join a mission-driven team in the Environmental Health division and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian in the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section you will help protect public health in the use and consumption of water via the implementation and enforcement of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and other Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) rules as they pertain to noncommunity public water systems (NPWS), and to provide other core public health functions for the MDH Drinking Water Protection Section.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Manage a sanitary survey, inner-wellhead inspection and source water contamination inventory workload of transient and nonntransient NCPWS in assigned area, ensuring each facility is in compliance with the SDWA and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage the collection, submission, and/or analysis of water samples from noncommunity public water systems to determine compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Standards of the SDWA and conduct technical inspections based on water sample results.
• Investigate and assist in resolving all potential waterborne contamination incidents and illnesses, and other emergency situations as requested, so that the health of the public is protected.
• Evaluate noncommunity systems in order to obtain baseline data to support related program activities, such as monitoring waivers, source water protection grants, and federal SDWA inventory data.
• Conduct primary enforcement activities for unresolved SDWA violations. Document violations, requesting and participating in appropriate enforcement activities for transient and nontransient NCPWS.

This position may require working longer days occasionally in order to accommodate long-distance travel and the client’s schedule.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must belegally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Public Health Sanitarian 1 Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a registration as an Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS Certification) OR the ability to obtain within two years of hire.

Candidates may be hired on a provisional basis, without a current or renewable REHS/RS credential with evidence of:

A bachelor's degree OR a degree-in-progress in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field which includes at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical or biological sciences.

Public Health Sanitarian 2 Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian and the ability to obtain an REHS/RS certification within two years of hire.

OR

• Possession of a master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field and eighteen (18) months of experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian and the ability to obtain an REHS/RS certification within two years of hire.

To become credentialed in Minnesota as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) a candidate may apply to sit for the NEHA computer-based REHS/RS exam, taken at an approved Pearson VUE testing location, OR apply for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity (when currently registered by NEHA or registered in another state as an REHS/RS

Additional Requirements To Be Assessed During The Interview

• Verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with owners, managers, and employees, in a variety of environments including while loud equipment is operating.
• Written communications skills sufficient to document concise, accurate, and complete information and observations.
• Critical thinking skills sufficient to collect and analyze information, identify areas of focus, and make decisions based on evidence gathered.
• Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships, inform operators of violations and other pertinent findings, and participate in legal proceedings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a current or renewable registration as an Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS Certification).
• Knowledge in the areas of public health: environmental science, epidemiology, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology and working knowledge of the procedures for investigating waterborne illnesses.
• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, rules and standards including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minnesota Well Code and Minnesota procedures for enforcement.
• Ability to recognize and communicate potential risks for disease transmission and deviations from public health standards.
• Knowledge of what constitutes legal evidence and strict attention to detail in completing forms, following procedures, and documenting work.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate on uneven terrain, slippery flooring, stairs, and ladders around operating equipment, and in dimly lit tight spaces.
• Ability to move long distances in all weather conditions.
• Ability to transport up to 40 pounds.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires the successful completion of a background check and employment reference check,
• This position does not require a valid driver’s license, but it demands travel which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain andimprovethe health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communitiesarethriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factorinpromoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.