Environmental Health Scientist I - Environmental Safety

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$20.575

Job Posting:
JR2026-00027091 Environmental Health Scientist I - Environmental Safety (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
06-30-2026

Job Description:
This position provides an opportunity to serve the Southwestern Nebraska throughout the following counties: Lincoln, Dawson, Frontier, Red Willow, Buffalo, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy, Hitchcock, Gosper, Furnas.
Do you have a passion for protecting public health? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! We're looking for the next great addition to the Environmental Safety Program at the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy. The successful candidate will conduct inspections and compliance activities for food safety and sanitation at Schools, Senior Centers, and Child Care Centers. You will be doing work knowing you are making a difference for current and future generations.
Don't have direct experience? No problem, we'll teach you! All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for serving Nebraskans. You can expect to have initial job training in Lincoln, followed by field training to ensure you have what you need to succeed. A State vehicle is provided; you can look forward to eliminating that commute to work. Our small but enthusiastic group of dedicated team members provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.


Benefits for you!
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment
• A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
• Easily accessible from I-80
• Respected as a valued team member
• Business Casual Dress Code
• Monday - Friday - After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approval

Location: 245 Fallbrook Blvd - Suite #100 - Lincoln, NE

Work schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule, 10-hour workdays allowed after six-month probation with management approval.
For a complete listing of job duties, requirements, and to apply, go to statejobs.nebraska.gov

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

"The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics."


For a complete listing of job duties, requirements, and to apply, go to statejobs.nebraska.gov

Job Duties:

• Day-to-day implementation of the sanitation program - including inspection of School/College Cafeterias, Senior Centers, Child Care Centers, respond to complaints, and prepare written reports from each inspection.
• Procure equipment/supplies, maintain equipment inventory, and supply printed materials.
• Develop, maintain or modify manual and computerized tracking/monitoring systems for assigned programs such as violations and status of projects.
• Answer all phone and other communications regarding policies, procedures and regulations pertinent to the programs.
• Develops and maintains program guidance materials.
• Meets with federal, State, and local government representatives and the general public to explain public health policies and programs.
• Conducts sampling as assigned and according to established protocol and follows quality control/quality assurance plans.
• Resolve conflicts and maintain program objectives in emotionally charged situations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Post high school coursework/training in physical or life sciences or environmental health.

Preferred Qualifications: Registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Nebraska; a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in life, natural, physical or health science.

Other (Required for the position):

• Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent transportation
• Ability to travel - this position is approximately 80% field work and requires daily driving.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrains
• Ability to lift 20 pounds
• Ability to climb 8-foot ladders
• Ability to bend and stoop
• Ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of: food safety and HACCP; principles and techniques of inspections; the principles of public health; the modes through which diseases are transmitted; the methods of controlling and preventing disease through environmental health practices; the principles of environmental health; the environmental problems related to disease control and prevention; the laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to environmental health; the functions and authorities of State and local health agencies related to sanitation.

Skill in: communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; time management; planning and organization; problem-solving; critical thinking; conflict resolution

Ability to: interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; establish rapport with stakeholders; work independently with little supervision; communicate with the public; prepare technical reports on field investigations; operate field laboratory equipment and specialized sampling equipment; analyze the findings of field sampling studies


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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit:

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.