Protecting Community Wellness: Careers as an Environmental Health Specialist
Are you looking to pivot your career toward public health advocacy? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a dedicated Environmental Health Specialist to work out of the Rhinelander, Wisconsin district office. This is a unique opportunity to provide critical oversight and technical guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of Native American populations.
About the Indian Health Service (IHS)
The Indian Health Service is a specialized agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate as an interdisciplinary team, blending clinical care, public health policy, and community engagement to solve complex health challenges across the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Environmental Health Specialist, your work will be foundational to community safety. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Program Planning: Designing and implementing environmental health programs addressing water safety, hazardous waste management, and food protection.
- Surveying Facilities: Conducting comprehensive health surveys for schools, daycares, healthcare centers, and gaming facilities.
- Tribal Capacity Building: Assisting Tribal leaders in developing safety policies, training programs, and health regulations.
- Technical Consulting: Providing expert guidance on environmental hazard mitigation.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's or graduate degree in a medical or health-related science |
| Licensure | Current REHS or RS certification is mandatory |
| Experience | 1+ year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 level |
| Citizenship | Must be a United States Citizen |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Paid annual leave based on federal service years
- Potential for student loan repayment programs
- Opportunities for career mobility within the federal government
Application Tips
Competition for federal positions is high. To increase your chances, ensure your resume highlights specific accomplishments rather than just duties. Be sure to include your REHS/RS license number and expiration date clearly in your application materials. Finally, do not wait until the last minute to complete the USA Hire assessment, as this is a critical component of your evaluation.
If you are a driven professional with a background in environmental health, this role offers a rare chance to see the direct impact of your labor on the health of a community. Apply now and contribute to the vital work of the Indian Health Service.
Why This Environmental Health Specialist Job Matters
Protect public health and build safer tribal communities as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Indian Health Service.
Environmental Health Specialist Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Environmental Health Specialist to join our team in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This role is instrumental in planning, developing, and executing comprehensive environmental health programs across assigned reservations. You will serve as a key technical consultant, working directly with Tribal leaders to identify environmental risks and implement mitigation strategies that ensure the health and safety of American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Requirements for Environmental Health Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess professional registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Registered Sanitarian (RS) from the National Environmental Health Association or a recognized state/territory equivalent.
- Bachelor's or graduate degree in an academic field related to the medical, health, or allied sciences.
- At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or a Ph.D./equivalent doctoral degree.
- Must pass a federal background investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must provide proof of identity for a REAL ID-compliant document.
Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Health Specialist
- Proven track record in applying environmental health codes and standards to mitigate risk.
- Demonstrated ability to teach environmental health principles and gain community compliance.
- Experience in risk-based environmental health program administration.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Eligibility for student loan repayment programs (competitive process).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the PHS Commissioned Corps structure.
- ✓Relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Environmental Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Environmental Health Specialist Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Click the Apply Online button to access the application questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your REHS/RS certification and transcripts.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the designated window after submission.
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly defines your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Proofread your application responses; you must certify that they are your own work.
- Keep a copy of your REHS/RS certification readily available to attach, as it is a mandatory selective placement factor.
- Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to monitor your status and assessment requirements.
- If you require testing accommodations for the USA Hire assessment, request them early in the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification mandatory?
Yes, this is a selective placement factor. You must possess this certification and attach proof to your application to be considered.
Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the initial application phase. Official transcripts will be required prior to an official job offer.
Are relocation incentives available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The focus is on public health prevention, ensuring that tribal facilities meet safety standards for water, air quality, and general sanitation.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized depending on agency needs and availability of funds.