Sanitary/Housing Inspector

Cambridge Preschool Program; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health department in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Environmental Health Inspector to ensure compliance with health and sanitation regulations. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, investigating nuisances, and certifying weighing devices. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in MS Office. Knowledge in pest control is preferred. This position requires traveling to various inspection sites and may involve evening hours.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in environmental health or housing inspection.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management.
• Ability to use handheld devices for inspections.
• Strong customer service skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections for compliance with health and sanitation laws.
• Investigate nuisances and unsanitary conditions.
• Calibrate and certify weighing and measuring devices.
• Attend and testify at legal proceedings when required.

Skills

Environmental health knowledge

Rodent and pest control

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Sanitarian License

Public health degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) implements the City’s enforcement program related to the Massachusetts State Building Code and certain articles of the State Sanitary Code. More specifically, these responsibilities encompass the administration of the State Building, Plumbing and Gas, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes, the Massachusetts Access Board Regulations (521 CMR) and the provisions of the State Sanitary Code that address the inspection of food handling establishments, housing, lead paint and asbestos testing and removal, day care, and swimming pools. Also, ISD is responsible for the enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance and for the provision of administrative support for the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA). ISD prides itself on delivering excellent customer service and using enforcement as a tool to promote the health and safety of the Cambridge community.

ABOUT THE JOB:

Under the supervision of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Operations Manager/Sealer of Weights and Measures, performs sanitary, housing and weights & measures inspections to ascertain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, in accordance with 105 CMR 590.000 and laws relative to weights & measures in the Commonwealth of MA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigates nuisances, sources of filth, and causes of sickness to abate violations and correct unsanitary conditions in food establishments. In accordance with 105 CMR 410.000 performs inspections to identify unfit conditions for human habitation.
• Inspects areas of the city and properties for rodent sightings, insect infestation, private sewage disposal and municipal waste disposal.
• Assists with the department open public counter, with special projects and other duties as needed.
• May be required to attend and testify at legal proceedings.
• Attends occasional after-hours meetings and responds promptly to emergency calls.
• Inspects, tests, calibrates, and certifies commercial scales, liquid measuring devices, vehicle tank meters, taximeters, and all other applicable equipment in service, as well as all mechanisms and devices attached or used in connection with commercial weighing and measuring devices.
• Must participate in the certification process designed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Standards including written and field exam.
• Performs related duties as required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Three (3) years of full-time work experience or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in the field of environmental health and sanitation and/or housing inspection, weights & measurement or one year of successful completion of sanitary/housing training in a degree granting program at a recognized school or public health degree. Licensed Sanitarian under Mass. Board of Registration preferred.
• Experience with rodent and pest control, including knowledge of integrated pest management reports strongly preferred.
• Personal cell phone to be used to communicate with the office and respond to emergency calls and personal vehicle to be used to and from inspection locations.
• Knowledge of the following software applications: Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Ability to learn and become efficient with customized database, code case and permitting software.
• Ability to use handheld electronic devices to perform inspections and update real time in the field.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to maintain records, research previous code cases and follow-up with pending code cases.
• Must have strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
• Working knowledge the practices, principles, and techniques of testing, inspecting, and verifying accuracy of weighing and measuring devices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. Must be able to bend, squat and lift up to 50 lbs. Must have sufficient mobility to travel back and forth from the main office to various sites throughout the City.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment with air-conditioning and fluorescent lighting, combined with off site inspections requiring traveling throughout the City. Exposure to all weather conditions and noise when making site visits to various projects and activities.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Resume
• Cover Letter