Health Facilities Surveyor or Senior Health Facilities Surveyor

Job Summary

The South Dakota Department of Health is hiring a full‑time Health Facilities Surveyor for the Office of Health Protection. The Surveyor’s role is to ensure compliance with state regulations for the public protection of health and safety hazards in food service, lodging, and campground establishments. The position requires in‑state travel and periodic overnight stays on a quarterly basis and offers per diem, use of a state vehicle while on the road, and a salary range of $26.61 to $34.79 hourly depending on qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester credit hours in the physical, environmental, biological, natural, or health sciences field.

• Current national or state credentials as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) or eligibility to apply for and pass the National Environmental Health Association REHS/RS exam within 3 years of being hired.

• Public health experience with an agency that includes inspecting facilities and enforcing regulations is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Inspection principles and terms to evaluate environmental health risks and concerns.
• State laws and regulations regarding environmental health and fire/life safety.
• The causes and control of diseases produced by unsanitary conditions.

Skill to:

• Exercise sound judgment and make timely, well‑informed decisions.
• Set goals and put forth the effort required to achieve them.
• Conduct work in an honest, ethical, responsible, and committed manner.
• Plan ahead, set priorities, and work independently in an orderly and efficient manner.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with others who can provide support.
• Work cooperatively with coworkers and treat them with respect to provide a positive working environment.
• Review plans, drawings, specification data, and assess the effectiveness or compliance of food, lodging, water recreation, and campground facilities with applicable state regulations toward meeting license standards.
• Identify corrective measures for fire/life safety compliance or to prevent the spread of disease and illnesses.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and information to Department of Public Safety inspectors to carry out inspectional duties assigned by the Department of Health.
• Engage with license holders, operators, and the general public on complaints, concerns, inquiries, and address these in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Conduct regulatory enforcement activities related to licensed and unlicensed food, lodging, and campground establishments to support change that will advance desired outcomes.
• Assist Department of Health and Federal agencies with foodborne illness outbreaks, product recalls, or similar investigational matters as needed.
• Gather, analyze, and organize information to provide recommendations or input to promote and improve the Office of Health Protection.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and tactfully by listening, speaking, and writing when reporting or educating on inspection findings to eliminate health hazards or correct deficiencies as required.

To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

Applicants may submit a National Career Readiness Certificate; it is not required.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. The State of South Dakota will use E‑Verify upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online – emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted. Apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-stateofsout

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone:  Email: careers.us

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"