Noncommunity Program Sanitarian - Public Health Sanitarian 3

Minnesota Department of Health; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,366,000 - 139,138,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Health in St. Paul seeks a Noncommunity Program Sanitarian to enforce SDWA and advance public water protections. The role supports the Environmental Health Division's drinking water program and requires strong environmental health knowledge.

The position offers a day schedule (8:00am–4:30pm), travel up to 50% and a telework option. Open to qualified applicants through 10/15/2026 with a closing date of 10/22/2026.

Qualifications

• Four years of professional experience as environmental health specialist or sanitarian.
• Current REHS/RS credential issued by NEHA.

Responsibilities

• Manage sanitary survey, inner-wellhead inspection, and source water inventory workload for noncommunity water supplies.
• Manage collection and analysis of water samples from noncommunity water supplies for compliance and inspections.
• Investigate and resolve waterborne contamination incidents and emergencies to protect public health.
• Evaluate noncommunity systems to obtain baseline data to support program activities.
• Conduct primary enforcement activities for SDWA violations and document findings.

Skills

Environmental health experience

REHS/RS credential

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in environmental health or related field

Job description

Working Title: Noncommunity Program Sanitarian

Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97541
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 10/15/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/09/2026
• Closing Date: 10/22/2026
• 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: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly
• Bargaining Unit: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a dedicated professional to make a difference in our communities. The Environmental Health Division is seeking a Noncommunity Program Sanitarian to enforce the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and other Minnesota Department of Health rules as they pertain to noncommunity public water supplies, and to provide core functions for the Section of Drinking Water Protection.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage a sanitary survey, inner-wellhead inspection, and source water contaminant inventory workload of noncommunity transient and nontransient public water supplies.
• Manage the collection and analysis of water samples within the geographical area of responsibility from noncommunity public water supplies for compliance and conduct technical assistance inspections based on water sample results.
• Investigate and resolve 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.
• Conduct primary enforcement activities of SDWA violations, document violations, and request and participate in appropriate enforcement activities for all noncommunity transient and nontransient water supplies.

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 50 miles 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 be legally 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.

• Four (4) years of professional experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian; AND
• Possession of a current Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential issued by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)

Candidates who hold a master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for six (6) months of qualifying professional experience.

Candidates who hold a doctoral degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for twelve (12) months of qualifying professional experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• English verbal and listening skills sufficient to communicate clearly with a wide variety of audiences and 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.
• Knowledge of public health principles, including environmental science, epidemiology, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology, and procedures for investigating water supplies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, or other related environmental health field.
• Knowledge of legal evidence guidelines with the ability to meticulously complete forms, follow procedures, and document work accurately.
• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, rules, and standards related to water wells and public non-community water supplies.
• Experience working in environmental or public health programs, including inspecting public water supplies.
• Experience conducting compliance enforcement activities in a public health setting.

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 successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at [e-mail] or 651-201-4842.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#: 97541, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

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 and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting 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.