Job Title:
Environmental Health Specialist
Company: Trempealeau County, WI
Location: Whitehall, WI
Created: 2026-04-19
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Salary : $59,425.60 - $67,912.00 AnnuallyLocation : WhitehallJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202200226Department: Public HealthDivision: Public HealthOpening Date: 04/02/2026 Purpose of Position The Health and Human Services department is currently recruiting for an Environmental Health Specialist to join their team.This position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.The purpose of this position is to promote and monitor public and environmental health programs and contracts; to promote community health and wellness; to provide environmental consultation and technical assistance to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Health and Human Services Board, County Board of Supervisors, Emergency Management Director, the public and other Trempealeau County staff as needed; and to enforce all applicable federal, state, and local ordinances and other regulations related to environmental, public health, and safety in Trempealeau County. The work is performed under the direction of the Public Health Supervisor/Health Officer. Essential FunctionsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.Assigned as agent of the state for the State of Wisconsin - Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) as an inspector for licensed/licensable facilities. Inspects food facilities, hotels/motels/tourist rooming houses, bed & breakfast establishments, vending machine and micromarket operations, recreational educational camps, campgrounds, and aquatic facilities to assure compliance with state and local regulations. Provides education to local operators on the principles of food and water safety and other sanitary practices for permanent and temporary event operations.Collects and analyzes water samples as required by environmental contracts: DNR transient non-community well water program. Facilities are inspected and enforced according to code compliance (NR812). This program has direct oversite by DNR.Lead Water Testing in Daycare centers: collect and analyze water samples from Daycare centers and submit samples to certified laboratories for Lead analysis. Complete contract deliverables in compliance with DHS contract.Enforces Human Health Hazard Ordinance. Responds to community complaints and conducts investigations and follow-up visits related to items included in the County's Human Health Hazard Ordinance to assure compliance. Conducts epidemiological investigations regarding communicable disease, environmental health or other public health related diseases. Performs follow-up counseling and referral for communicable diseases, and investigates food, water, or vector-borne disease outbreaks, including order of quarantine investigations. Investigation of food and waterborne infections and intoxications. Conducts and/or assists in investigations of foodborne and waterborne outbreaks for communicable disease.This includes but is not limited to the below programming:Rabies Control Program: Follow up with Animal Bite cases. Educate and work with the animal owner(s) to complete quarantine and exam requirements in compliance with WI State Statute 95.21. Responsible for notifying victim(s) of quarantine results. Submit rabies specimens to Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene for analysis. Communicate testing results to the owner(s) and victim(s). Beach Sampling: Collect water samples at inland swimming beaches from May to September. Submit samples to Certified Laboratories for Fecal bacteria analysis. Responsible for analyzing water testing results and posting of public notices of beach open/closing status.Participates in the Public Health Emergency Plan and responds to public health emergencies as needed. Participates in Department and community emergency response training and drills consistent with job classification in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness.Assistance in completion of assigned grants and/or contracts, and to assure objectives are met. Education and outreach to the health/safety concerns associated with Radon within a home. Education and follow-up conducted in accordance to individual results.Education and outreach to the health/safety concerns associated with well water results for individuals consuming water from private well water systems. Education and follow-up conducted in accordance to individual results.In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative, respectful, and comply with privacy, HIPAA, and public record requirements when dealing with the public and regulated entities. Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with coworkers, customers, county employees, supervisors, agencies and public officials.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to identify unsafe conditions and use and wear personal protective equipment.Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.Ability to influence and/or train others, including the ability to act in a lead worker capacity. Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as environmental health research/journals, ordinances, statutes, codes, policies, permit applications, permits, inspection reports, citations, site plans, plats, maps, compliance orders, federal register, regulations, patient records, patient referrals, lab reports, grant reports, newspaper copy, policy manuals, blueprints, material safety data sheets, program guidelines, guidelines, monthly/quarterly reports, program brochures vouchers, contracts, computer software operating manuals, maps, informational brochures, time sheets, department forms, directories, procedures, non-routine correspondence and educational curricula. Utilizes traditional media and social media, as befitting the audience; may serve as a department spokesperson on program work areas or as assigned. Prepares news releases, presentations, reports, and educational materials to communicate to the public, community partners, funders and decision makers regarding health issues and the work of the department. Uses appropriate medium to effectively communicate to intended audience.Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios and present values. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports. Ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas.Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction of an entire program or multiple programs. Training, Experience and Other RequirementsRequired:Bachelor's degree of Science in Biology, Environmental, Physical or Public Health from an accredited program and two years public health experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist license is required, or the ability to obtain within 2 years of hire.Valid motor vehicle operator's license required.Preferred:Additional coursework or experience in epidemiology, public facility plan review and inspections, air/water quality sampling and results interpretation, Emergency Preparedness/Incident Command System, HACCP certified, public water systems knowledge, radon measurement and mitigation certification, pool operator certification, lead assessment certified, WI Food Code standardized.2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY Trempealeau County (Regular Full-time/part-time employees) BENEFITNon-Represented Benefit Package for 2026. A complete packet of benefits information will be provided to the candidate selected for the position. This illustration summarizes the benefits presently offered by Trempealeau County and is not a guarantee of benefits.Benefit TypeWhat you receiveEligibleWho PaysMedical*County participates in the State of Wisconsin offered Health Plan. $500 individual / $1000 family deductible. Routine/Preventative services- plan pays 100%. Emergency Room copay - $60 per visit. Annual Wellness Incentive - $150 gift card for employee & spouse when annual physical/wellness screens complete.First of the month following 30 days of employmentCounty contributes 88%. Employee Contribution for lowest cost plan available within the County is:Single Plan: $126.42/per monthFamily Plan: $310.83/per monthPremiums vary by plan. Other plan networks available.Flex Spending Account(FSA)$500 -Single Health Plan$1000-Family Health PlanCounty contributes either $500/$1000 for each employee enrolling in the county sponsored medical plan.First of the month following 30 days of employmentOption to contribute up to an additional $3,400 for medical and $7500 for dependent care per year. Expenses must be incurred 1/1/26 - 3/15/27 and submitted for reimbursement by 5/31/27.PensionWisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Pension plan provides a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and have reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for most employees). Pre-taxed. Date of Hire (may not be eligible for part-time positions)General EmployeesEmployee contribution: 7.2%County contribution: 7.2% Total: 14.4Dental Delta Dental WI Plan: Uniform Dental Benefit (UDB)/Preventative offers basic coverage for routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings (100% no deductible), orthodontics (50% for those 19 and under with $1500 individual max). Supplemental plans (Select or Select Plus) offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, oral surgery, surgical extractions and additional orthodontics (regardless of age). Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentCounty contributes 88% of Uniform preventive dental when enrolled in group health insurance. Uniform Preventative Dental stand-alone cost (no enrollment in group health insurance): Single: $37.18 / monthFamily: $92.98 / monthSupplemental plans also available for individual, individual plus children, individual plus spouse and family coverage at an additional cost- employee pays 100%.VisionMetLife Vision: Eye exams ($15 copay in-network), $150 for frames $150 for contact lenses and discount on Laser Vision Correction. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployees pay 100%Employee: $4.72 / monthIndividual + Spouse: $9.40/ monthIndividual + Children: $10.60/ monthFamily: $16.94 / monthDeferred CompensationAvailable plans: WI Deferred Comp (WDC) and Nationwide (NACO). Allows you to invest today in retirement. Federal/State taxes are deferred until your assets are withdrawn.AnytimeEmployees pay 100%Available through payroll deduction (flat rate or percentage).Additional Voluntary Benefits Provided by Trustmark Benefits Accident InsuranceCritical IllnessUniversal Life InsuranceHospital IndemnityShort Term DisabilityProvided by The Insurance CenterTerm Life Insurance AnytimeEmployees pay 100%Employee direct pay to vendorVacation*Accrues per pay period per year as follows. First year of service: 12 days1-4 years of service: 15 days5-9 years of service: 18 days10-15 years of service: 20 days16-20 years of service: 24 days21-25 years of service: 26 days26-29 years of service: 28 days30+ years of service: 30 daysAccrual begins Date of Hire Payout Upon Separation100% following 1 year introductory period.Sick Leave*Accrues per pay period up to 12 days per year. Max 960 hours.Accrual begins Date of HirePayout Upon Retirement: 100% max 480 hours. Holidays*New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Two Personal Holidays. Exceptions may be necessary in some County departments.Normally granted Holiday off with pay as listed Payout Upon Separation None. *Exception for certain Sheriff's Office employees for holidays, sick & vacation accrual. Pro-rated benefits for positions less than 40 hours per week. 01 After reading the Training, Experience and Other Requirements listed in the Job Description, briefly tell us about relevant education and work experience that qualifies you for this position. Required Question