Health Inspector jobs in Maine

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Health Inspector

Opening Date: April 19, 2024

Closing Date: May 2, 2024

Job Class Code:  7350
Grade:  22
Salary: $45,801.60 - $61,443.20 / yr.

Position Number: 02000-2608

Location:  Rockland

Core Responsibilities:

You will serve as a District Public Health Inspector, conducting inspections for restaurants, mobile food vendors, school kitchens, correctional facility kitchens, hospital cafeteria kitchens, lodging places, campgrounds, youth camps, public pools/spas, mass gatherings and body artists for potential impact on public health and safety.  The Health Inspection Program has a current vacancy out of the Rockland DHHS office, which includes portions of Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Penobscot Counties, including the towns of Ellsworth, Bucksport, Brewer, Brooks, Deer Isle, Stonington, Rockport, Palermo, Thorndike and other adjacent towns and islands.

You will also:
•    Resolve issues associated with compliance with health, safety, environmental, and sanitary rules, and regulations.
•    Provide technical expertise and education on all Program rules and regulations.
•    Assist with the development of Program rules and standard operating procedures.
•    Monitor the correction of violations within a timeframe.
•    Evaluate establishments for compliance with provisions to issue licenses.
•    Prioritize the inspection of establishments, the issuance of licenses, and the response to complaints per the program’s standard operating procedures.
•    Recommend compliance closures and determine when to issue Imminent Health Hazard notices.
•    Conduct special investigations for complaints and food/waterborne illnesses.

Minimum Qualifications:

A six (6) year combination of education and/or experience in public health, environmental or biological science, health education or a related field which includes two (2) years of public health, biological or environmental science, or related experience.

Preferred candidates will also have:
o    Knowledge and experience with food safety, public health, and sanitation laws.  
o    Knowledge of techniques used in the field of public health inspections.
o    Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
o    Ability to work independently. 
o    Ability to train and instruct others.
o    Ability to conduct investigations and inspections.
o    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
o    Ability to use computers proficiently.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For additional information about this position  please contact Rebecca Walsh, Inspector Supervisor at (207) 287-1978 or Rebecca.Walsh@maine.gov.

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

 Please submit all documents or files in  PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov .

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.