Public Health Inspector
If you are a current State of Maine employee, you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM, contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Public Health Inspector I
Opening Date: September 26, 2025
Closing Date: October 9, 2025
Job Class Code:7350
Grade: 22
Salary: $47,174.40 - $65,832.00 per year
Position Number: [click to reveal phone number]
Location: This is a full time position located out of Portland
Job Description:
You will serve as a District Public Health Inspector, conducting inspections for restaurants, mobile food vendors, school kitchens, correctional facility kitchens, hospital cafeteria kitchens, lodging places, campgrounds, youth camps, public pools/spas, mass gatherings and body artists for potential impact on public health and safety.
You will also:
- Resolve issues associated with compliance with health, safety, environmental, and sanitary rules, and regulations.
- Provide technical expertise and education on all Program rules and regulations.
- Assist with the development of Program rules and standard operating procedures.
- Monitor the correction of violations within a timeframe.
- Evaluate establishments for compliance with provisions to issue licenses.
- Prioritize the inspection of establishments, the issuance of licenses, and the response to complaints per the program's standard operating procedures.
- Recommend compliance closures and determine when to issue Imminent Health Hazard notices.
- Conduct special investigations for complaints and food/waterborne illnesses.
Minimum Qualifications:
A six (6) year combination of education and/or experience in public health, environmental or biological science, health education or a related field which includes two (2) years of public health, biological or environmental science, or related experience.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
Obtain FDA standardization for food inspections, Certified Food Manager Certification and Certified Pool Operation Certification after hire.
Preferred candidates will also have:
- Knowledge and experience with food safety, public health, and sanitation laws.
- Knowledge of techniques used in the field of public health inspections.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to train and instruct others.
- Ability to conduct investigations and inspections.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
- Ability to use computers proficiently.
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
Application Information:
For additional information about this position please contact Rebecca Walsh, Inspector Supervisor at [click to reveal phone number] or [click to reveal email address]
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
To request a paper application, please contact [click to reveal email address]
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
- Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.