SANITARIAN 1,2,3

State of Louisiana; Louisiana (MO); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Health is seeking a Sanitarian to protect public health through inspections, enforcement, and community engagement across the state. You’ll review plans, inspect food establishments, onsite wastewater systems, and institutions, and issue corrective guidance with re-inspections when needed.

This role offers hands-on experience in multiple specialty areas, ongoing training, and strong partnerships with local communities.

Qualifications

• Must have a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit or a current Louisiana Sanitarian's license to be considered for this position.
• Possession of a current Louisiana Sanitarian’s temporary permit.
• NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Louisiana Boating Education program completion and certification by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for Molluscan Shellfish program.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and enforce applicable health codes in Retail Food, Onsite Wastewater, and Institutional programs.
• Conduct inspections of food establishments, wastewater systems, and institutions to ensure health and safety standards.
• Perform percolation tests for onsite wastewater systems.
• Write violation notices and provide corrective guidance with re-inspections to verify compliance.
• Investigate and respond to complaints of unsanitary conditions from the public or government representatives.
• Collect and prepare samples for laboratory testing and ensure proper handling and transport.
• Participate in trainings, community outreach, and emergency response activities to support public health.

Job description

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.

Take the next step in your career and be part of a team dedicated to keeping Louisiana safe, healthy, and thriving.

You must have a current Louisiana Sanitarian's temporary permit or a current Louisiana Sanitarian's license to be considered for this position. Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Sanitarians temporary permit application: https://www.lsbes.org/application-for-temporary-permit

Possession of a current Louisiana Sanitarian’s temporary permit.

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.

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.

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