Sanitarian I

Join Our Team at Calhoun County Government!
At Calhoun County, you’ll find more than just a job, you’ll find purpose. Our employees make a meaningful impact every day by serving our community. Whether you’re supporting essential services, improving local systems, or helping residents thrive, your work contributes to something bigger. We’re proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where people are valued for their ideas and dedication to public service. If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, we invite you to explore opportunities with Calhoun County Government.

Summary 

Under the general direction of the Program Supervisor, conducts and assists in permit issuance, complaint investigation, water sample collection, food service establishment inspection, Calhoun County Sanitation and Food Code enforcement, and state and federal rules and regulation enforcement. 

 Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027, or later. Please note that the County is unable to accommodate a start date prior to January 4, 2027. 

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Conduct required inspections, evaluations, and plan reviews as determined by state law or local regulation. 
2. Issue sewage disposal permits, well permits, temporary food licenses, and evaluate special cases for resolution. 
3. Enforce Calhoun County Sanitation Code and other rules and regulations as authorized. 
4. Enforce all aspects of the Safe Water Drinking Act for non-community well water supplies. 
5. Investigate a variety of complaints. 
6. Evaluate state and private water laboratory data for compliance with state and EPA water quality standards. 
7. Evaluate vacant land for suitability of onsite sewage disposal and issue a written report. 
8. Provide Environmental Health public education. 
9. Assist in foodborne disease outbreak and other environmental investigations. 
10. Assist other local and state agencies on matters that affect the public health and welfare of residents. 
11. Communicate and coordinate with other departments, local, and state programs through written and oral reports. 
12. Serve on local and state committees. 
13. Assist in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. 
14. Participate in team and general staff meetings. 
15. Participate in public health quality programs (e.g., Quality Improvement, Quality Assurance, Quality Control).  
16. Participation in emergency exercises and training required. 
17. Assess own needs for professional growth and participate in education that increases knowledge and skills in area of responsibilities. 
18. Adhere to established policies and procedures and maintain client confidentiality. 
19. Perform other duties as assigned.  

 Job Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours of basic science coursework. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to provide courteous and accurate information often under stressful situations for families.  
• Good computer skills to communicate regularly via e-mail and to collect data on electronic forms or formatted spreadsheets.   
• Ability to frequently handle simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent distractions due to people and/or telephone calls.  
• Frequently required to climb and/or kneel and periodically required to stoop or bend to accommodate different working positions.   
• Frequently required to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, perform repetitive movement, and/or work in confined areas.  
• A valid Michigan driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and a personal vehicle including proof of vehicle insurance are required.  

 Supervisory Responsibilities 

• None 

 Working Conditions 

Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible
Flexibility Classification: Flexible Schedule Eligible 

• Both office and field environments.
• Daily travel between county locations.  
• Potential exposure to loud noise, fumes, odors, dust, dirt, molds, and wet and dry conditions. 
• May have contact with infectious disease and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 
• On-call availability to respond to emergencies (e.g., program-related and public health emergencies). 
• Extended workdays (beyond 8 hours/day) and weekends or holidays may be required.  
• May encounter threatening people and other dangerous situations. 

Why You’ll Love Working Here
Calhoun County Government offers benefits designed to support your wellbeing at work and beyond. Our employees enjoy competitive pay, health and retirement plans, generous time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Benefits for 40 hours/week positions are highlighted below:

• Paid Time Off: 6.47 hours per pay period (hourly) or 4.2 weeks annually (salaried)
• Holidays: Enjoy 14 paid holidays per year
• Flexibility: Hybrid and flexible scheduling for eligible positions
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 7% County match
• Near-Site Clinic: Convenient preventative and primary care with on-site medications
• Education: Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement

Learn more about our benefits at www.calhouncountymi.gov/employee_benefits
.