The Town of Needham's Public Health Division seeks engaged individuals for the grant-funded position of Regional Environmental Health Agent for the Charles River Public Health District (Needham, Dover, Medfield, and Sherborn). Under the direction of the Assistant Manager of Shared Services/Lead Trainer, they will provide public health services and enforce State/Federal Environmental and Sanitary Codes, Town by-laws, and Board of Health Regulations. The Regional Environmental Health Agent will assure compliance, develop policy, and communicate health information to the public, as well as assist with grant writing and program development.

Position: Full-time (37.5 hours per week - term position through 6/30/2027, and possibly longer contingent upon funding)

CON #24100

• Inspect, permit, and evaluate health risks in full range of food establishments as well as oversee compliance with Title Five state sanitary septic code.
• Conduct plan reviews, investigate foodborne illness complaints, issue order letters, impose fines, and conduct administrative hearings to ensure safe food operations.
• Assist in investigating violations of local and state regulations relating to food, nuisance (noise/odors), housing, tobacco and conduct inspections to protect the public's health.
• Provide ongoing educational services in conducting trainings, cable slots/PSAs, social media posts, and writing articles for the local newspaper and local cable channel, on public health topics. Inform and educate food permit holders, their staff, and general public about food safety.
• Required to occasionally serve on-call to respond to emergency situations or conduct inspections off-hours.
• Review online permit applications and conduct a variety of plan reviews (i.e. food/tobacco establishments, demolitions, additions to homes on septic systems, pool permit renewals/plan reviews, septic hauler/installers, septic system construction permit applications, animal permits, bodywork permits, disposal of sharps permits, well permits, etc., via the Town of Needham online permit application system.
• Apply for grants and ensure FDA Retail Program Standards are maintained and expanded.

• Extensive knowledge of environmental health and sanitation equivalent to completion of a four-year college degree program/bachelor's degree in public or environmental health, Community Health, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of work experience are required in public or environmental health, public policy, or a related field. Part-time and volunteer experience will be considered.
• Possession of a valid state-issued driver's license with the ability to travel independently among each community.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

• Code enforcement experience a plus, specifically in conducting food inspections in enforcement of the 2013 Federal Food Code. Experience with online food inspection software systems/use of iPads, etc., for food establishment inspection data logging/reporting.
• A background in policy and/or education attained through either work experience or a graduate degree in public health, education, or a related field is highly desired.
• Registered environmental health agent, or academically qualified to take and pass the registered sanitarian examination within one year of hire.
• Septic system inspector's license, lead determination certificate, and passing of soil evaluator's exam within one year of hire.
• ServSafe Food Safety Manager/Food Allergy certified, MA Housing Inspector and Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or some combination thereof, preferred at time of application or must be obtained within two (2) years of employment.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with the first round of review to begin for applications received before 5 PM on May 10, 2024.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at .