Environmental Health Scientist - Environmental Safety

Environmental Health Scientist I – Environmental Safety

Location:

Lincoln, NE (serves counties:
Lincoln, Dawson, Frontier, Red Willow, Buffalo, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy, Hitchcock, Gosper, Furnas). Salary: $20.575 per hour.

Work with the Environmental Safety Program to conduct inspections and compliance activities for food safety and sanitation at schools, senior centers, child care centers, and related facilities throughout Southwest Nebraska. The role includes field inspections, report writing, sampling, and public communication.

• Perform day‑to‑day implementation of the sanitation program, inspecting cafeterias, senior centers, child care centers, and responding to complaints.
• Prepare written inspection reports.
• Procure and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Develop, maintain, and modify manual and computerized tracking systems for program violations and project status.
• Respond to phone and other communications regarding policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Develop and maintain program guidance materials.
• Meet with federal, state, and local representatives and the public to explain public health policies and programs.
• Conduct sampling as assigned and follow quality control and assurance plans.
• Resolve conflicts and maintain program objectives in emotionally charged situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Post‑high‑school coursework or training in physical or life sciences, or environmental health.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Nebraska (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in life, natural, physical, or health science (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel approximately 80% of the time, daily driving, and walk on uneven terrain.
• Physical capability to lift 20 pounds, climb 8‑foot ladders, bend and stoop, and work in outdoor temperature extremes.
• Reliable attendance.
• Strong communication, time management, planning, organization, problem‑solving, critical thinking, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, prepare technical reports, operate field laboratory equipment, and analyze sampling results.

• Paid holidays and 24 days of vacation and sick leave in the first year.
• Military leave.
• 156% State‑matched retirement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employer‑paid health, dental, and vision insurance (79% coverage).
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Opportunities for career advancement.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexible 10‑hour workdays may be permitted after a six‑month probation period with management approval.

The State of Nebraska values its 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.

Position closed; applications no longer accepted as of 30 June 2026.