Regional Environmental Health Specialist

East Longmeadow; East Longmeadow (MA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

East Longmeadow Health Department is seeking a Regional Environmental Health Specialist to join a regional public health collaborative serving East Longmeadow, Agawam, Westfield and West Springfield. The role is in-person, grant-funded, and involves inspections, enforcement, and program development across four municipalities.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in environmental science or public health, relevant certifications, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public health, or a related field is required.
• Current driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
• Foundations for Local Public Health Practice course within 18 months of hire.
• RS or equivalent certification within 3 years of hire.
• ServSafe and MAPHIT certifications are required for food inspections.
• CPO certification within 1 year of hire.
• Housing inspection training within 1 year of hire.
• Preferred: MA Title 5 septic system inspection certification.
• Preferred: Soil Evaluator certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections of food service establishments, tobacco retailers, recreational camps, pool facilities, and other environmental health inspections as assigned.
• Collaborate with local, regional, state, and federal entities to ensure inspections follow laws and regulations.
• Take corrective action, issue instructions, and perform follow-up inspections for compliance.
• Prepare order letters for enforcement and documents for public health hearings and enforcement actions.
• Coordinate with Massachusetts DPH, DEP and other regulators to enforce regulations.
• Maintain licenses and stay current with public health laws and regulations.
• Maintain contact with community organizations and town stakeholders by phone, in person, or email.
• Assist with emergency preparedness program development and training.
• Provide education and training on local, state, and federal laws and best practices.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in environmental science/public health

Foundations for Local Public Health Practice

Registered Sanitarian (RS) or equivalent

ServSafe

MAPHIT

Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

Housing inspection training

MA Title 5 septic system inspection certification

Soil Evaluator certification

Job description

Job Opportunities

Regional Environmental Health Specialist

JOB POSTING

Regional Environmental Health Specialist

Health Department

October 21, 2026

Full Time 37.5hrs, Non-Exempt, Non-Union

Salary Range $66,504 -$86,455

General Description

Under the general direction of the East Longmeadow Director of Public Health and the Common Ground Health Collaborative (CGHC), the Regional Environmental Health Specialist will work with the municipalities of East Longmeadow, Agawam, Westfield, and West Springfield to improve regional public health and meet performance standards set by the Commonwealth through inspectional services, subject matter expertise, and educational programming. Based out of East Longmeadow as the host community, this role requires in-person travel across all four member municipalities, sound judgment, and close collaboration with public health nurses, inspectional staff, and human services to support regional public health programs. This grant-funded position is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Excellence Grant for Shared Services and is subject to ongoing appropriation.

This position is a grant-funded position supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Public Health Excellence Grant for Shared Services and is subject to ongoing appropriation.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Conducts routine, complaint-driven, suspected illness, and nuisance inspections of food service establishments, tobacco retailers, recreational camps, body art establishments, swimming pools, bathing beaches, onsite wastewater systems, housing, and other environmental health inspections as assigned by the Collaborative.

Collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal entities to ensure all inspections and investigations are conducted utilizing current workforce standards, as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Takes corrective action, issues instructions to responsible parties regarding changes to be made, and performs follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.

Assists participating municipalities in preparing order letters seeking enforcement of violations. Prepares documents in support of public health hearings and department enforcement and legal actions, as well as presentation of public health rationale for enforcement in court.

Supports Health Departments in collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and other regulatory entities as required to enforce regulations.

Maintains knowledge and expertise in relevant areas of public health, housing, and environmental issues to maintain required licenses and certifications and changes in pertinent public health laws and regulations as well as enforcement practices.

Maintains consistent contact with community organizations, town residents, town department employees, vendors, and state and federal agencies by phone, in person, by email, or by written correspondence.

Assists and participates in the organization and development of the department’s emergency preparedness programs.

Works with the participating municipalities to provide education and training on local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as best public health practices.

Performs similar or related work as required, as directed by the Director of Public Health or the CGHC.

Education and Experience

Education - Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, public health, or a related field.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations - Valid Driver’s License and personal transportation are required. Also required: current certification or eligibility to become certified as the following in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health Workforce Standards:

Registered Sanitarian (RS) or equivalent within three (3) years of hire.

Completion of the Foundations for Local Public Health Practice course required within eighteen (18) months of hire.

Food inspection certifications: ServSafe, MAPHIT.

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) within one (1) year of hire.

Housing inspection training within one (1) year of hire.

The following certifications are preferred:

MA Title 5 Septic System inspection certification.

Soil Evaluator certification.

Experience - One (1) to three (3) years or more of professional experience, ideally in public health, healthcare, or local government.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skills

Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of state environmental code, food service regulations, and all other laws, rules, and regulations about public health and sanitation.

Thorough knowledge of State septic system guidelines; working knowledge of current inspection and control procedures.

Ability

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal employees, town officials, state regulatory agencies, and disgruntled members of the public.

Ability to effectively handle problems in the field and during emergencies.

Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals and communities.

Ability to maintain, manage, and organize records including confidential information.

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and organized manner.

Ability to enforce laws and regulations impartially and consistently.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills with both individuals and groups.

Microsoft Office and Google Workspace at an intermediate level or higher.

Human Resources Department, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow MA 01028.

A complete position description may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Department.

The Town of East Longmeadow is an Affiliated Action, Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. We are committed to fair hiring practices and a supportive, welcoming culture that offers equal career development and promotional opportunities to all employees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the employer’s needs and job requirements change.