Part-Time Public Health Sanitarian

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$32.32-$43.31/HR
Hybrid, Pontiac, Michigan

Part-Time Sanitarian – Land & Water Team
Oakland County Health Division | Environmental Health Services

Make a Real Impact on Public Health—Out in the Field and in the Community

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and improving community health? Join our Land & Water Team as a Part-Time Sanitarian, where your work directly safeguards water quality, food safety, and the environments where people live, work, and play.

This is more than inspections—it’s about education, problem-solving, and protecting public health at its source.

What You’ll Do

As a Sanitarian, you’ll serve as a frontline public health professional, balancing fieldwork, investigation, and community engagement:

Protect Public Health in the Field

• Conduct inspections of restaurants, pools, campgrounds, schools, and childcare facilities
• Evaluate on-site sewage systems and water supplies for safety and compliance
• Perform soil evaluations to determine feasibility of septic systems
• Collect environmental samples (water, soil, etc.) for analysis

Investigate & Solve Complex Issues

• Respond to and investigate complaints involving:

o Food contamination
o Sewage issues
o Rodents or insects
o Environmental hazards

• Use critical thinking and sound judgment to recommend solutions and enforce compliance

Educate & Influence

• Provide guidance to business owners, residents, and community partners
• Deliver training and educational materials on environmental health practices
• Help individuals understand regulations—and how to meet them

Ensure Compliance & Accountability

• Enforce County Sanitary Code and State public health laws
• Document findings and maintain accurate inspection records
• Make recommendations regarding permits, licensing, and violations

Be a Voice for Environmental Health

• Collaborate with local governments and agencies on housing and environmental safety

Why You’ll Love It

Meaningful Work That Matters
Every inspection, evaluation, and conversation contributes to clean water, safe food, and healthier communities.

Use Your Expertise
Apply your knowledge of science, environmental systems, and public health in real-world situations where your decisions make an impact.

Be a Trusted Resource
You’re not just enforcing rules—you’re helping people understand, improve, and succeed in meeting health standards.

Build Experience in Environmental Health

Ideal for professionals looking to:

• Grow in public health or environmental careers
• Gain hands-on field experience
• Expand regulatory and compliance expertise

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

A. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Environmental Health; OR

Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, environmental science, or environmental policy, and have earned 30 semester/45 quarter hours of college credit in basic science coursework (per National Environmental Health Association credentialing requirements); OR

2. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in physical or biological sciences, or a closely related field; AND

b. Have had at least one (1) year of full time, supervised experience in environmental health.

3. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None. May train and/or assist lower-level sanitarians.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs on-site inspections and investigations of food service establishments to observe food handling procedures, cleanliness of premises, sewage and waste disposal practices and other conditions related to local sanitary codes, state and federal laws, or regulations.

Inspects public and private water supplies, restaurants, soils, pools, day care centers, schools, collecting samples when necessary for analyses to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County Public Health Statutes, Codes, Rules, and Regulations.

Investigates the difficult complaints regarding possible health hazards, such as poor ventilation, food contamination, insect or rodent infested areas, sewage problems and polluted waters, collecting samples for analysis, documenting steps taken and results. Uses persuasive skills for conflict situations, advises compliance with existing regulations and laws, steps to be taken to eradicate problem areas and recommends legal action if necessary to enforce compliance.

Performs routine inspections of State of Michigan licensed campgrounds.

Performs site evaluations for residential and non-residential on-site sewage disposal systems.

Performs final inspections on routine on-site sewage disposal systems.

Responds to complaints that are difficult to resolve, complex in nature, and/or referred by lower-level personnel.

Represents Environmental Health Service's position on all appeals in regard to on-site sewage disposal systems, on-site water supply systems and food service facilities before the Sanitary Code and the Food Service Appeal Boards.

Provides educational instruction and materials to the public and conducts training seminars to personnel involved in various functions and activities regulated by Environmental Health Services.

Makes recommendations regarding licensing/permits or rescission of licensing/permits for routine Environmental Health programs based on compliance to the County Sanitary Code and state laws.

Counsels and/or assists local government in conducting residential housing inspections relating to elimination of actual and/or potential safety hazards in new or existing homes, industries, and construction sites.

Coordinates surveys and/or investigates complex insect and/or rodent problems.

Performs routine evaluations of Type II water supplies for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Performs routine inspections of public swimming pools.

Maintains records and reports of sanitation matters and makes recommendations regarding licensure or code violations.

May conduct any activity typically assigned to lower-level Environmental Health personnel.

Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate accurately to convey information using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

Work is performed in a typical office environment, licensed building establishments, and outdoors.

Position may require walking over rough or uneven terrain and exposure to environmental elements including heat, cold, rain and wind.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

B. ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Reasonable knowledge of the professional practices and procedures in the field of environmental health.

C. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

Must submit to immunizations as required by the Health Division and to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x rays at County expense.

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.