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vernoncountywi.gov
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Public Health Sanitarian
PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN
Department: Public Health
Reports to: Public Health Director
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: O
About The Department
Since 1921, The Vernon County Health Department has strived to protect and promote the health of all members of our community. From providing education on the prevention and spread of disease, to promoting healthy behaviors, the department focuses on services and programs that support everyday wellbeing.
This work includes monitoring and responding to public health concerns, addressing environmental health risks, preventing injury, and ensuring residents have access to safe, quality health services. The department also plays a key role in emergency response and recovery, helping communities stay informed, supported, and resilient during times of need.
By providing education, resources, and coordinated services, the Health Department helps residents make informed decisions and build healthier lives. This work supports healthier communities and helps make Vernon County a great place to grow.
Position Summary
This position provides varied professional public health work in the inspection and licensing of food, lodging, retail and recreational facilities and the investigation and resolution of environmental complaints, nuisances and hazards. Applies independent judgment, effective communication skills and professional knowledge in interpreting laws, regulations, and codes and ensures compliance.
This position supports the 10 Essential Public Health Services and Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals as defined in the links below.
10 Essential Public Health Services | Public Health Gateway | CDC
2021 Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (phf.org)
- Citations for Domains of Core Competencies are listed as “CC”. Numbers correlate to domain functions as identified in the above link to core competencies for public health professionals.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Conducts routine/required inspections of facilities, such as schools, restaurants, retail food establishments, hotels/motels, public swimming facilities, campgrounds and other licensed facilities to determine compliance with established laws and regulations covered by county ordinances and State of Wisconsin regulations within the assigned area on a designated frequency. (CC 6.3)
- Conducts follow-up inspections as required to determine extent of compliance with laws and regulations and orders issued in accordance established within the Environmental Health Policies and Procedures.
- Conducts pre-licensing inspections of public facilities in consultation with contractors, plumbers, building inspectors, and other appropriate disciplines.
- Cooperates with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) in investigations and follow-up with any environmental health concerns. (CC 3.2)
- Participates in public outreach programs and training and works with various public health resource agencies. (CC 3.4)
- Collects and ships environmental samples to be analyzed as needed.
- Under a contract with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), collect water samples, inspect wells and plumbing systems, interpret results and issue repair/replacement orders as appropriate.
- Investigates suspected cases of food-borne illness; consults with operators regarding code requirements. (CC 1.3)
- Responds to all assigned environmental and nuisance calls; conducts inspections and evaluations of potable, recreational and wastewater systems and investigates and resolves health problems and nuisances concerning garbage and rubbish, rodents and insects, air pollution and animal bites; provides information on codes and makes recommendations on proper methods of control as needed.
- Performs Lead hazard Investigations as assigned including collection of samples, issues lead abatement and interim control orders as necessary.
- Implements policies and procedures for animal control including bite/scratch sampling as directed by the health officer or designee.
- Provides education and information on environmental health matters to licensed facilities and the public. (CC 4.1)
- Evaluate laboratory analysis and take appropriate enforcement action including recommending necessary legal action.
- Prepares and maintains various reports and records all activities, samples, etc. and time allotment.
- Consults with state and local agencies and community groups and the general public regarding public health problems and concerns.
- Work with property owners and renters to solve public health issues.
- Develops and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, representatives of state and local governments and general public. (CC 5.2)
- Assists Health Officer with environmental health budget.
- Assists other sanitarians or technicians as required.
- Interprets codes, determines compliance, issues orders and citations; provides testimony at hearings and court appearances.
- Coordinates meetings and conferences pertaining to areas of responsibility; attends meetings or conferences as required. (CC 7.4)
- Participates in training and exercises/drills to prepare for and respond to public health threats in accordance with county and departmental emergency response plans. (CC 8.5)
- May act as an authorized designee of the Health Officer in matters that relate to the agent programing or as otherwise directed by the health officer or deputy health officer.
- Engages in organizational strategic planning. (CC 2.6)
Related Job Functions
- Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers and others.
- Responsible to practice universal precautions due to possible exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Attends work-related in-services and workshops.
- Transports equipment and supplies as needed.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with health department personnel, students, medical providers, community agencies, business owners.
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Ability to work with confidential records and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to make meaningful observations, evaluations; provide accurate, neat, complete reports and records; maintain records and files.
- Ability to improvise and act independently under sometimes adverse conditions.
- Skill in operation of modern office machines and equipment used in work setting.
- Thorough knowledge of functions, policies, procedures, programs, laws and regulations, care of supplies, and equipment pertaining to health department.
- Performs related work duties as may be required or directed.
Skills And Abilities
- Knowledge of current principles and practices governing food safety and sanitation issues and the methods and techniques of inspections and sampling.
- Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations and practices pertaining to public health environmental programs and of enforcement procedures.
- Knowledge of codes and regulations governing areas of responsibility.
- Knowledge of a variety of environmental issues.
- Ability to make mathematical calculations.
- Ability to explain and interpret laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to environmental issues.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and move around for extended periods.
- Proficiency in keyboarding and using office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers.
- Capable of lifting and carrying light to moderate office supplies.
- Visual acuity to read printed materials and view computers screen for extended periods.
- Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and perform tasks such as filing and organizing paperwork.
- Ability to communicate with the public and Vernon County staff in-person and on the phone.
- Travel to other Vernon County offices or sites for inspections, interviews, meetings, etc.
- Occasionally may handle stressful situations and short deadlines.
- Involves minimal potential and/or direct exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
Education And Training Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health or Science, Public Health or the Biological Science field or closely related field plus 6 months of experience as a Public Health Sanitarian desired.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for city and rural travel.
- Registration as a Sanitarian through the State of Wisconsin or the National Environmental Health Association and attained within one year of employment.
Additional Information
- This position description has been prepared to assist in evaluating duties, responsibilities, and skills of the position. It is not intended as a complete list of specific responsibilities and duties, nor is it intended to limit duties to those listed.
Vernon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Wage and Benefits
- $32.03- $35.37
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Wisconsin Retirement System
- Short Term & Long-Term Disability - Waived premiums.
- $10,000 Life Insurance Policy- Employer Paid.
- Health Insurance- Low & High Deductible Plan with eligible FSA or HSA plans.
- Dental & Vision Group Rate Plans
- Deferred Compensation- Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide
- Other Supplemental Insurances- Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity. Employee Assistance Program.
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