Environmental Health Scientist I, II, or III

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Fremont, NE

Hiring Rate:

$23.777

Job Posting:

JR2026-00026206 Environmental Health Scientist I, II, or III (Open)

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

06-02-2026

Job Description:

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 for food safety and sanitation at Schools, Senior Centers, and Child Care Centers. The candidate will also assist in inspections and compliance activities for Swimming Pools, Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Camps, Wells, and Septic Systems. 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.
Please let us tell you what you will get as a State employee!
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) 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

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!

Location and address of position: Fremont Area

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule may be allowed with management approval.

 

Job Duties:

• Day-to-day implementation of the sanitation program – including inspecting School/College Cafeterias, Senior Centers, Child Care Centers, and Swimming Pools, Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Camps, and Well and Septic Systems – 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:

Environmental Health Scientist I- Post high school coursework/training in physical or life sciences or environmental health.

Environmental Health Scientist II- Registration as a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Nebraska.

Environmental Health Scientist III- Registration as a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Nebraska.

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 This 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 work int the Fremont area
• Ability to walk on uneven terrains
• Ability to lift 20 pounds
• Ability to climb 8-foot ladder
• 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

Pay Rates:

Environmental Health Scientist I: Hourly Rate = $20.575

Environmental Health Scientist II: Hourly Rate = $22.117

Environmental Health Scientist III: Hourly Rate = $23.777

*Position could be hired as a I, II or III, based requirements.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:  food safety; 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 

“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.” 

 

If 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: https://link.nebraska.gov/

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: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.