**Must possess an active Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) license from the New Jersey Department of Health.
**Occasional evenings & weekends.
This position is grant funded through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the 2027 budget.
Principal Duties: Under the direction of the Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist, performs various inspections, plan reviews, and complaint investigations to ensure compliance with Local and State public health and environmental regulations including the NJ Sanitary Code, the NJ Public Health Nuisance Code, and NJDEP septic system and well regulations. In particular, this position will complete a high volume of retail food establishment inspections. Excellent communication and customer service skills required. Promotes and protects public health through education, consultation, and enforcement.
Job Requirements: Performs sanitary inspections for compliance with public health and environmental protection regulations, including but not limited to inspections at retail food establishments, pools, youth camps, body art facilities, kennels, private wells, and onsite wastewater disposal systems. Investigates complaints of nuisances and potential violations of applicable public health laws and ordinances for Bernards Township and contractual municipalities in both Somerset and Morris Counties. Directs measures to control and abate nuisances including improper garbage storage, standing water conducive to mosquito breeding, unsanitary conditions, and pest infestations. Inspects food trucks and temporary food vendors at special events; weekend availability required. Collects food/water/soil samples and issues embargos when necessary; participates in product recalls as needed. Investigates foodborne, respiratory, waterborne, and other suspected disease outbreaks as needed. Reviews plans related to residential, commercial, and industrial development as necessary to ensure compliance with environmental and public health laws, regulations, and local ordinances. Witnesses soil permeability testing in conjunction with professional engineers to assess suitability for septic systems. Inspects repairs and installations of onsite sewage disposal systems; reviews plans under direction of Senior REHS. Witnesses the installation of wells for potable and non-potable sources. Produces clear, accurate, informative reports and maintains paper and electronic records of all surveys, inspections, and investigations. Daily computer data entry for activity tracking. Initiates enforcement actions, including violation notices and summons as necessary, attends Court as required, and provides testimony during legal proceedings. Participates in planning and conducting special health education programs and provides expertise in the development of educational materials relating to environmental issues and concerns. Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities to ensure safe food, water, air quality, and the protection of public and environmental health during a public health emergency or natural disaster. Responds to restaurant fires, sewage backups, or other emergencies as needed. Works collaboratively with other municipal officials (e.g. Code Enforcement / Fire Safety) across jurisdictions. Assists as needed in local health clinics and prevention programs. May assist with checking CDRSS for cases of elevated blood lead levels and ensuring follow-up as needed. May attend Board of Health meetings in contractual towns as a representative of the Health Department. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Health Officer or Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
Education & Experience:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, environmental sciences, or related field.
Experience: One (1) year of experience in REHS work desirable.
Special Requirements: Must possess an active Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) license from the New Jersey Department of Health as well as a valid NJ Driver’s License. Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor certification and bilingual in English/Spanish are desirable. Must be able to work outside throughout the year as needed in hazardous conditions such as construction sites, treacherous terrain, and inclement weather.
Contact: Send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. All resumes will be reviewed and only those applicants chosen to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.
Pay: Up to $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
