Environmental Health Specialist

Prince George's co.; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Prince George’s County Health Department seeks qualified applicants for an Environmental Health Specialist I/II in the Food Protection Services Unit. This entry-level professional role conducts inspections, investigations, and code enforcement to ensure compliance with public health laws, under supervision.

Responsibilities include reviewing facilities, responding to complaints, performing sampling, and maintaining inspection records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Health, Environmental, Physical, Biological or Engineering Sciences.
• One year of professional level experience in environmental health investigatory/enforcement work.
• Certification as a registered Environmental Health Specialist or Certificate of Eligibility as outlined by the State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Registration and in conjunction with State law.
• A valid Maryland State driver's license is required upon appointment in order to perform job related duties and responsibilities.
• Please note there is no equivalency for required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Assists and learns to inspect, investigate, record and report on the environmental public health impact of the retail manufacture, preparation, handling, distribution and sale of food and drink.
• Conducts comprehensive and monitoring, and follow-up inspections to determine compliance with applicable State and local regulations using proper forms and investigator skills.
• Responds to citizen complaints using knowledge of appropriate investigator skills, office procedures and forms to produce a resolution of all observed health code violations.
• Conducts change of ownership inspections and remodel inspections, using appropriate regulations, and investigative skills to approve new facilities and/or equipment for use.
• Assists and learns to inspect, investigate, record and report on the environmental public health impact of the retail manufacture, preparation, handling, distribution and sale of food and drink.
• Assists and learns to collect samples at nursing homes, schools, day care centers, swimming pools, private and public wells, food facilities and other public facilities for analysis.
• Assists and learns to read, analyze and interpret laboratory test results and reports in order to (1) determine the existence of potential public health hazards, (2) ensure compliance with public health laws and regulations, or (3) to determine/recommend a course of action to address/resolve the problem.
• Assists and learns to issue written notices of code violation to responsible party(ies) (e.g., property owners, operators, citizens) in order to inform them of circumstances/practices/operations that are not in compliance with public/environmental health laws, codes and standards.
• Assists and learns to prepare and maintain reports and records of health inspections, violations and permits.
• Assists and learns to provide advice and guidance in the interpretation of environmental health laws and regulations to builders, private businesses, governmental agencies and other interested parties.
• Maintains, uses, and operates vehicles, equipment and supplies in accordance with established departmental rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Health, Environmental, Physical, Biological or Engineering Sciences

One year of professional level experience in environmental health investigatory/enforcement work

Certification as a registered Environmental Health Specialist or Certificate of Eligibility

Job description

Come join our team! Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

Prince George’s County Health Department is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill an Environmental Health Specialist (Environmental Health Specialist I/II), grade A18-A21 position, in the HD Food Protection Services Unit.

About the Position

This is professional entry level inspectional and investigative code enforcement work to insure/obtain compliance with various public and environmental health laws, codes, ordinances, and standards within assigned service and program areas of the Health Department (e.g., food protection). Subject to extensive public contact, incumbents perform routine inspectional and investigative assignments in order to attain compliance with applicable public health and environmental laws, codes, and standards. Field/office work is performed under the close supervision of a higher-level Environmental Health Specialist and independent field judgments are limited to routine assignments within the framework of established standard operating procedures.

About the Agency

The Department of the Environment works for a healthy, beautiful, and sustainable County through programs that provide clean water, flood control, recycling and waste management, litter prevention, sustainable animal management, and pet adoption in partnership with residents and other stakeholders. Some of our core services include protecting and enhancing the natural and built environments of Prince George's County by enforcing Federal, State and County laws to create a healthy, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for all residents and businesses of the County (Stormwater Management Division); flooding prevention for buildings and structures (Flood Management and Environmental Resilience Division and Stormwater Management Division); collecting, processing, and diverting waste from the County-operated landfill, commercial facilities, and households (Sustainable Waste Management Division ); engaging residents and partners to ELEVATE environmental stewardship, beautification, and waste reduction (Community Engagement and Beautification Division); providing sustainability services to reduce greenhouse gas and emissions (Climate and Energy Division ); and facilitating pet adoptions, managing an animal holding facility, issuing pet licenses, investigating cruelty complaints, and conducting humane outreach and education events (Animal Services Division).

Responsibilities

• Assists and learns to inspect, investigate, record and report on the environmental public health impact of the retail manufacture, preparation, handling, distribution and sale of food and drink.
• Conducts comprehensive and monitoring, and follow-up inspections to determine compliance with applicable State and local regulations using proper forms and investigator skills.
• Responds to citizen complaints using knowledge of appropriate investigator skills, office procedures and forms to produce a resolution of all observed health code violations.
• Conducts change of ownership inspections and remodel inspections, using appropriate regulations, and investigative skills to approve new facilities and/or equipment for use.
• Assists and learns to inspect, investigate, record and report on the environmental public health impact of the retail manufacture, preparation, handling, distribution and sale of food and drink.
• Assists and learns to collect samples at nursing homes, schools, day care centers, swimming pools, private and public wells, food facilities and other public facilities for analysis.
• Assists and learns to read, analyze and interpret laboratory test results and reports in order to (1) determine the existence of potential public health hazards, (2) ensure compliance with public health laws and regulations, or (3) to determine/recommend a course of action to address/resolve the problem.
• Assists and learns to issue written notices of code violation to responsible party(ies) (e.g., property owners, operators, citizens) in order to inform them of circumstances/practices/operations that are not in compliance with public/environmental health laws, codes and standards.
• Assists and learns to prepare and maintain reports and records of health inspections, violations and permits.
• Assists and learns to provide advice and guidance in the interpretation of environmental health laws and regulations to builders, private businesses, governmental agencies and other interested parties.
• Maintains, uses, and operates vehicles, equipment and supplies in accordance with established departmental rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Health, Environmental, Physical, Biological or Engineering Sciences.
• One (1) year of professional level experience in environmental health investigatory/enforcement work.
• Certification as a registered Environmental Health Specialist or Certificate of Eligibility as outlined by the State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Registration and in conjunction with State law.
• A valid Maryland State driver's license is required upon appointment in order to perform job related duties and responsibilities.

Please note there is no equivalency for required certifications.

Salary Range Transparency: The salary range listed in this announcement reflects the anticipated offer range for this position. Offers made within this range are based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Tentative Interview Dates: November 23, 2026. Please note that interview dates are subject to change and only selected candidates will receive confirmation and additional details.

Job Location: 1701 McCormick Drive, Suite #120 Largo, MD 20774

Conditions of Employment

Upon selection, the candidate must (where applicable):

• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings, where applicable.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.