Advance Your Career: Environmental Health Specialist with the Indian Health Service

Are you a public health professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a motivated Environmental Health Specialist for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin area. This role offers the unique opportunity to blend technical expertise with community service, working directly with Tribal nations to create safer, healthier environments.

Job Responsibilities

As an Environmental Health Specialist, you will plan, develop, and implement comprehensive environmental health programs. Your daily duties will include:

Conducting health surveys of facilities such as schools, gaming centers, and healthcare sites.
Providing technical consultation to Tribal leadership on hazard identification.
Managing programs related to water safety, radon mitigation, and solid waste.
Developing educational materials to increase local environmental health literacy.

Comparison: Qualifications

Requirement Type	Minimum Standard
Professional Certification	Current REHS or RS credential
Experience Requirement	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 equivalent
Education Substitute	3 years of graduate study or Ph.D. completion

Requirements

Success in this role requires a candidate who is detail-oriented and dedicated to federal standards. You must be a U.S. citizen, pass a thorough federal background investigation, and maintain financial suitability. Additionally, candidates must be prepared to follow the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.

Salary Overview

This position is offered as a GS-11 grade, with an annual salary range of $74,678 to $97,087. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

The federal government offers a comprehensive suite of benefits including robust health insurance, retirement planning, and potential eligibility for specialized loan repayment programs for qualified health professionals.

Application Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure your experience descriptions meet federal requirements.
Do not wait until the last minute; prepare your documentation (transcripts and certificates) early.
Take the USA Hire assessment promptly upon receiving your access link.

This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service in one of the most vital health sectors in the United States. If you possess the required certifications and a passion for environmental safety, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.

Why This Environmental Health Specialist Job Matters

Protect public health and empower Tribal communities as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Indian Health Service in beautiful Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Environmental Health Specialist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as an Environmental Health Specialist in the Bemidji Area. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive environmental health programs across assigned reservations. You will collaborate with Tribal leaders and community members to mitigate risks, ensure safe water and food standards, and manage hazardous materials, directly impacting the well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Requirements for Environmental Health Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must possess Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification.
Must complete a federal background investigation.
Must meet financial suitability requirements.
Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant form of identification.

Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Health Specialist

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
Advanced graduate education (three years or more) leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
A combination of relevant graduate education and professional experience totaling 100% of qualification requirements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Potential eligibility for student loan repayment programs.
✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Annual leave accrual based on federal service time.
✓Participation in a mission-driven, interdisciplinary team environment.

💡 How to Apply Environmental Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Environmental Health Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement in detail.
Prepare your resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and certification proof.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the required questionnaires.
Submit your application before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire assessment following the provided email notification.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the hours worked per week for every position.
Prioritize the background investigation forms if selected to avoid processing delays.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to prepare for the competency assessments.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
Monitor your USAJOBS account status regularly for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, this position involves periodic travel as part of conducting comprehensive environmental health surveys across assigned reservations.

Can I use foreign education to meet qualifications?

Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcripts for the education to be considered.

What is the primary focus of this role?

You will be focused on building Tribal capacity to manage environmental health hazards through policy and training.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized based on agency needs and availability.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is committed to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an innovative and interdisciplinary team dedicated to addressing unique health challenges through creative problem-solving.