Per Diem Environmental Health Inspector

Town of Needham; Needham Heights (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

The Town of Needham's Public Health Division seeks a Per-Diem Environmental Health Inspector to support inspection, investigation, and evaluation of health risks and enforcement of environmental health regulations.

This on-call position requires strong knowledge of state and local codes, ability to review permit applications, perform inspections of food establishments, facilities, pools, and other sites, and to assist with grant writing and regulatory guidance as needed.

Qualifications

• Four to six years in public or environmental health or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental health and sanitation.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel among communities.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and critical thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate health risks in food establishments and enforce related codes.
• Inspect nursing homes, housing facilities, pools, and other facilities per regulations.
• Review online permit applications and conduct plan reviews via online system.
• Back up plan reviews, investigate foodborne illness, issue orders/fines, and conduct hearings.
• Assist with training on environmental health issues and grant-related tasks.
• Support adoption of FDA standards and assist in grant writing.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Public health knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in public or environmental health

Tools

Electronic inspection software

Job description

Description

The Town of Needham's Public Health Division seeks an engaged individual for the position of Per-Diem Environmental Health Inspector, supporting the inspection, investigation, and evaluation of health risks and the enforcement of applicable national, state, and local environmental sanitary and health regulations and permit requirements.

Scheduled for on-call work, as needed.

CON #27027

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate health risks in full range of food establishments as well as oversee compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances, including Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code and Title Five state sanitary septic code.
• Conduct inspections of nursing and rest homes, residential and housing facilities, motels, recreational camps for children, health clubs, ice skating rinks, public and semi-public swimming pools, public bathing beaches; inspect and investigate off-street drainage, subdivision control, solid waste, noise, tobacco, water, vector control, and air pollution when directed.
• Review online permit applications and conduct a variety of plan reviews (i.e. food/tobacco establishments, demolitions, additions to homes on septic systems, pool permit renewals/plan reviews, septic hauler/installers, septic system construction permit applications, animal permits, bodywork permits, disposal of sharps permits, well permits, etc.), via the Town of Needham online permit application system.
• Serve as backup to conduct plan reviews, investigate foodborne illness complaints, issue order letters, impose fines, and conduct administrative hearings to ensure safe food operations.
• May occasionally provide training support and assistance on issues related to environmental health regulations, performing federal, state and local inspections, emerging public health issues effecting compliance with regulations and other areas of expertise to assist other public health partners.
• Assist with adopting and maintaining the 9 FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards and records maintenance.
• Assist in applying for future FDA grants and writing grant reports.

Requirements

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Duties require extensive knowledge of environmental health and sanitation equivalent to completion of a four-year college degree program/bachelor's degree in public or environmental health, Community Health, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of work experience are required in public or environmental health, public policy, or a related field. Part-time and volunteer experience will be considered.
• Possession of a valid state-issued driver's license with the ability to travel independently among each community.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications (or the ability to obtain):

• Registered environmental health agent or academically qualified to take and pass the registered sanitarian examination within one year of hire.
• Lead determination certificate, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, ServSafe Food Manager certification and Food Allergen Awareness certification within six months of hire.
• MA Soil Evaluator and Title Five inspector certification a plus.
• Code enforcement, food inspection, and the use of electronic inspection software experience a plus.

Supplemental Information

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply".

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 AM on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at [e-mail].

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [e-mail].