Summer Internship: Environmental Health
The Hennepin County Public Health Protection & Promotion division is seeking an Environmental Health Intern to perform licensed pool inspections and take beach water samples as well as other duties within Environmental Health program areas.
Location and hours:
This position will be based out of Hopkins, MN but will require the ability to travel to various sites throughout Hennepin County. The work schedule will primarily be 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with hours between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Some weekend hours may be required to accommodate special events.
About the position type:
This position is a seasonal, non-benefit earning position that will start in May 2020.
In this internship, you will:
- Inspect licensed public swimming pools for compliance with state and county ordinances.
- Collect water samples from wells and public beaches.
- Educate, train, and advise operators on code requirements and assist with implementation of operational changes to meet standards.
- Become knowledgeable in other environmental health programs to assist with educational outreach and other duties as directed.
In this internship, you may:
- Inspect food facilities for compliance with federal, state, and county food protection ordinances.
- Inspect and monitor special event stands and farmer's market stands.
- Inspect licensed lodging facilities for compliance with state and county ordinances.
- Organize environmental health projects if they fall within the scope of our program.
Need to have:
- Current enrollment as a 4th year undergraduate student or a graduate student, pursuing a degree in environmental health, environmental science, food science, biology, chemistry, and/or related degree.
- A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation to travel to sites throughout Hennepin County.
- Eligibility to take the Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian exam after one year of experience. For test information please visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/sanitarian/index.html
Nice to have:
- Experience:
- Working in a food service or hospitality environment where key responsibilities include adhering to local and state health and safety regulations.
- Conducting food and beverage facility inspections.
- Performing environmental health inspections/assessments, such as; swimming pools, lodging facilities, etc.
- Good organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to be objective and effectively handle difficult situations.
Intern will receive formal and on-the-job training in techniques and procedures essential to conducting various environment health and safety inspections, investigations and enforcement activities.
About the department:
Public Health works to improve and protect the health of children, adolescents and adults who live, learn, work or play in Hennepin County. Our ultimate purpose is to promote physical and mental health, prevent illness and injury associated with communicable diseases and environmental conditions, reduce chronic diseases, and enhance the well-being of individuals affected by mental illnesses and serious emotional disturbances.
About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
Your future. Made here.
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
This position is internally classified as an Intern II.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test and/or background check.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jessica Damm
jessica.damm@hennepin.us