Environmental Health Scientist I - Environmental Safety

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$20.575Job 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):06-30-2026Job 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 holidaysVacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediatelyMilitary leave156% state-matched retirementTuition reimbursementEmployee assistance program79% employer paid health insurance plansDental and vision insurance plansEmployer-paid $20,000 life insurance policyPublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal governmentWide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the stateOpportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public serviceTraining and development based on your career aspirationsFun, inviting teammatesA safe and secure environmentA new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parkingEasily accessible from I-80Respected as a valued team memberBusiness Casual Dress CodeMonday – Friday – After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approvalLocation: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite #100 – Lincoln, NEWork 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.govAt 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.govJob 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 transportationAbility to travel – this position is approximately 80% field work and requires daily driving.Ability to walk on uneven terrainsAbility to lift 20 poundsAbility to climb 8-foot laddersAbility to bend and stoopAbility to work in outdoor temperature extremesAbility to maintain regular and reliable attendance.Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and monthsSubmit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbersKnowledge, 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 resolutionAbility 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 studiesIf you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: 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: Opportunity StatementThe 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr