SANITARIAN 1,2,3

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Health is seeking a Sanitarian to protect public health through inspections, enforcement, and community engagement. You will review plans, inspect food establishments and wastewater systems, and respond to complaints to ensure health and safety standards statewide.

Location is statewide with probationary/promotion/temporary appointment options. SER-based pay scales apply, with steps from Sanitarian 1 to 3. Training and career growth are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit.
• You must have a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit or a current Louisiana Sanitarian's license to be considered for this position.
• Positions in the Molluscan Shellfish program require that applicants complete the Louisiana Boating Education program and be certified by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and enforce Title 51 of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code in Retail Food, Onsite Wastewater, and Institutional programs.
• Conduct inspections of food establishments, wastewater systems, and institutions (schools, jails, daycare centers) to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Perform percolation tests for onsite wastewater systems.
• Write violation notices, provide corrective guidance to owners/managers, and conduct re-inspections to verify compliance.
• Investigate and respond to complaints of unsanitary conditions from the public or government representatives.
• Collect and prepare food, water, and other samples for laboratory testing, ensuring proper handling and transport.
• Participate in trainings, community outreach, and emergency response activities to support public health initiatives.

Job description

About This Job

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn More About Louisiana Department Of Health

Looking for a career where you can make a direct impact on the health and safety of Louisiana communities? As a Sanitarian, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health through inspections, enforcement, and community engagement. From ensuring safe food in restaurants and markets, to reviewing onsite wastewater systems, to safeguarding institutions such as schools and daycares—you’ll be on the frontlines of promoting healthier environments across the state.

This position offers opportunities to gain hands‑on experience in multiple specialty areas, provide guidance to staff and the public, and build strong partnerships with community leaders. You’ll also receive ongoing training and professional development to enhance your expertise while making a meaningful difference every day.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit.

You must have a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit or a current Louisiana Sanitarian's license to be considered for this position.

Necessary Special Requirements

Positions in the Molluscan Shellfish program require that applicants complete the Louisiana Boating Education program and be certified by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Review plans and enforce Title 51 of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code in Retail Food, Onsite Wastewater, and Institutional programs.
• Conduct inspections of food establishments, wastewater systems, and institutions (schools, jails, daycare centers) to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Perform percolation tests for onsite wastewater systems.
• Write violation notices, provide corrective guidance to owners/managers, and conduct re‑inspections to verify compliance.
• Investigate and respond to complaints of unsanitary conditions from the public or government representatives.
• Collect and prepare food, water, and other samples for laboratory testing, ensuring proper handling and transport.
• Participate in trainings, community outreach, and emergency response activities to support public health initiatives.

Position‑Specific Details

Location: Office of Public Health / Bureau of Sanitarian Services / Statewide

Appointment Type: Probationary, Promotional appointment, Job appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months)

Cost Center: 3262209520

Position Number(s): Various

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Sanitarian 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

Compensation: This position is eligible for the following Special Entrance Rates (SERs):

• Sanitarian 1 - $19.36 hr / $1,548.80 bi-weekly
• Sanitarian 2 - $20.72 hr / $1,657.60 bi-weekly
• Sanitarian 3 - $22.90 hr / $1,832.00 bi-weekly

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Sanitarians temporary permit application: https://www.lsbes.org/application-for-temporary-permit

Contact Information

Angela Selders

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program

Insurance Coverage

More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave

– Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement

State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others