Job Description
Job Details Working Title: Drinking Water Protection Sanitarian Job Class: Public Health Sanitarian 3 Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 90395
- Location : Mankato
- Telework Eligible : Yes, partial
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered simultaneously.
- Date Posted : 11/24/2025
- Closing Date : 12/01/2025
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Division/Unit : Environmental Health / Drinking Water Protection / Non Community Water Supply Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes, up to 75% of the time
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status : Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section is seeking a dedicated Public Health Sanitarian 3 to help protect public health by ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water across Minnesota. This position plays a critical role in implementing and enforcing the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and related state regulations for noncommunity public water systems, including schools, daycares, restaurants, parks, resorts, and other facilities that provide drinking water to the public.
As a DWP Sanitarian, you will independently conduct sanitary surveys, water sampling, compliance assessments, and contamination investigations within an assigned geographic region. The position requires strong technical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships with water system operators and partner agencies while also enforcing state and federal regulations when needed.
Primary Responsibilities - Conduct sanitary surveys and technical inspections of noncommunity public water systems to assess compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), identify deficiencies, and ensure the delivery of safe, potable water.
- Collect, analyze, and manage drinking water samples in accordance with federal and state requirements, interpret laboratory results, and provide follow-up technical assistance and corrective action guidance to water system operators.
- Investigate waterborne illness reports, contamination events, and public health complaints, determine potential risks or regulatory violations, and initiate necessary corrective and enforcement actions to protect public health.
- Provide technical assistance, training, and communication to water system operators, local health agencies, and other partners regarding SDWA compliance, water system operations, and regulatory requirements.
- Document regulatory compliance activities and support enforcement actions, including preparing inspection reports, maintaining data in the Minnesota Drinking Water Information System (MNDWIS), and assisting with formal enforcement proceedings when necessary.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - Four (4) years of professional experience working as an environmental health specialist or sanitarian; AND
- Possession of a current Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential issued by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
Candidates who hold a master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for six (6) months of qualifying professional experience.
Candidates who hold a doctoral degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related environmental health field will receive credit for twelve (12) months of qualifying professional experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview: - Professional writing skills sufficient to demonstrate communicate intricate concepts in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.
- Independent critical thinking and professional judgment necessary to conduct complex inspections, monitoring, and evaluations.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience conducting sanitary surveys or regulatory inspections.
- Knowledge of hydrology, geology, water treatment processes, or environmental sampling protocols.
- Experience with GIS, GPS data collection, MNDWIS, or other water system databases.
- Experience conducting investigations related to environmental or waterborne illnesses.
Physical Requirements Ability to travel statewide, including occasional overnight travel.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds of equipment or samples.
Flexibility to adjust work schedules to accommodate water system availability and travel needs.
Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266 .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us .
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us
About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction .
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Night shift, Day shift,