Public Health Inspector

Department of Marine Resources; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta, ME is seeking a Public Health Inspector I to conduct on-site investigations of licensed facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. The role covers restaurants, schools, hospitals, camps, and other establishments, with responsibilities across multiple counties surrounding Augusta.

Applicants should have a six-year education/experience mix with two years in public health, and obtain post-hire certifications in FDA food

Qualifications

• Six-year combined education/experience in public health or related field, with two years public health experience.
• FDA standardization for food inspections, Certified Food Manager, and Certified Pool Operator after hire.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to conduct investigations.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate referrals to other agencies to protect public health.
• Review license applications including business plans and specs.
• Resolve issues with compliance of health, safety, environmental, and sanitary rules.
• Provide technical education on program rules and regulations.
• Assist with developing program rules and SOPs.
• Monitor correction of violations within a timeframe.
• Evaluate establishments for license compliance.
• Prioritize inspections, licensing, and responses to complaints.
• Recommend compliance closures and Imminent Health Hazard notices.
• Conduct special investigations into complaints and food/waterborne illnesses.

Skills

Communication skills

Public health knowledge

Inspection techniques

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Health Inspector I

Opening Date: October 29, 2025

Closing Date: November 12, 2025

Job Class Code: 7350

Grade: 22 (04)

Salary: $49,296.00 - $68,785.60 per year

Position Number: 02032-1862

Location: Augusta

Job Description:

In this position you will serve as a Public Health Inspector conducting on-site investigations and inspections for potential impact on health, safety, and sanitary conditions in restaurants, school kitchens, hospital cafeteria kitchens, youth camps, campgrounds, correctional facility kitchens, hotels, public pools and spas, body artists and other licensed establishments to determine compliance with program rules and reduce the protection of public health and safety. The Health Inspection Program has a current vacancy out of the Augusta DHHS office, which includes portions of Kennebec, Lincoln, and Waldo Counties, including the towns of Augusta, Boothbay Harbor, Chelsea, China, Damariscotta, Hallowell, Palermo, Pittston, Windsor and other adjacent towns.

Responsibilities:

• Organize, coordinate, and make referrals to other agencies such as Liquor Licensing, Fire Marshal's Office, Department of Agriculture, and Marine Resources to protect public health and safety.
• Review and evaluate license applications including business plans and specifications.
• Resolve issues associated with compliance with health, safety, environmental, and sanitary rules and regulations.
• Provide technical expertise and education on all Program rules and regulations.
• Assist with the development of Program rules and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor the correction of violations within a timeframe.
• Evaluate establishments for compliance with rules to issue licenses.
• Prioritize the inspection of establishments, the issuance of licenses, and the response to complaints per the program's standard operating procedures.
• Recommend compliance closures and determine when to issue Imminent Health Hazard notices.
• Conduct special investigations into complaints and food/waterborne illnesses.

Minimum Qualifications:

A six (6) year combination of education and/or experience in public health, environmental or biological science, health education or a related field which includes two (2) years of public health, biological or environmental science, or related experience.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements:

Obtain FDA standardization for food inspections, Certified Food Manager Certification and Certified Pool Operation Certification after hire.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Knowledge and experience with food safety, public health, and sanitation laws.
• Knowledge of techniques used in the field of public health inspections.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct investigations and inspections.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential service