Description

Come join the Public Health Protection & Promotion division in Environmental Health to improve and protect the health of children, adolescents and adults who live, learn, work or play in Hennepin County. We are seeking three environmental health interns to perform licensed pool inspections and take beach water samples as well as other duties within environmental health program areas.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Find us here at upcoming career fairs!

Location and hours:
These positions are hybrid, based out of 479 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, will perform work at other various sites throughout Hennepin County, and remote as job duties require. Internships will start in May 2026 and end in September 2026 with the potential to extend on a case-by case basis. The work schedule will primarily be 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with hours between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Occasional weekend hours may be required to accommodate special events.

While these positions are designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Pay will be based on the intern’s educational degree program:
Enrolled or recent graduate in bachelor's degree: $23.00
Enrolled or recent graduate in master's degree: $23.50

About these position types:
These positions are seasonal, non-benefit earning internship positions.

These positions are internally classified as an Intern II.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

Note: You must attach a resume with your application materials to be considered for these positions.

In these internships, you will:

Inspect licensed public swimming pools for compliance with state and county ordinances.
Collect water samples from public beaches.
Educate, train, and advise operators on code requirements and assist with implementation of operational changes to meet standards.
Become knowledgeable in other environmental health programs to assist with educational outreach and other duties as directed.

In these internships, you may:

Inspect food facilities for compliance with federal, state, and county food protection ordinances.
Inspect and monitor special event stands and farmer's market stands.
Inspect licensed lodging facilities for compliance with state and county ordinances.
Organize environmental health projects if they fall within the scope of our program.

Need to have:

Must be currently enrolled for the academic school year of 2025-2026 in either a:
- Bachelor's degree program as a junior or senior in environmental health, environmental science, food science, biology, chemistry, and/or related degree.
- Master's degree program in environmental health, environmental science, food science, biology, chemistry, and/or related degree. OR
  - Recent graduate (within 1 year) with a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental health, environmental science, food science, biology, chemistry, and/or related degree.
A valid driver's license, access to reliable transportation to travel to sites throughout Hennepin County and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver’s permit.
The ability and willingness to work some weekends, occasionally on short notice, to attend events and meetings for community organizations.

Access to reliable internet and self-support hybrid workspace.

Nice to have:

Experience:
- Working in a food service or hospitality environment where key responsibilities include adhering to local and state health and safety regulations.
- Conducting food and beverage facility inspections.
- Performing environmental health inspections/assessments, such as swimming pools, lodging facilities, etc.
- Working in a flexible working environment.
Good organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to be objective and effectively handle difficult situations.
Eligibility to take the Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian exam after one year of experience. Click here for test information.

Interns will receive formal and on-the-job training in techniques and procedures essential to conducting various environment health and safety inspections, investigations and enforcement activities.

About the department:
Public Health works to improve and protect the health of children, adolescents and adults who live, learn, work or play in Hennepin County. Our ultimate purpose is to promote physical and mental health, prevent illness and injury associated with communicable diseases and environmental conditions, reduce chronic diseases, and enhance the well-being of individuals affected by mental illnesses and serious emotional disturbances.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that elimination of disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

These positions will have access to systems or other documentation that contains HIPAA data.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test and/or background check.

Hennepin County values employee retention and engagement through a culture of individual development. If you are a current employee looking for an internship you are responsible for communicating and seeking approval from your supervisor/manager on an arrangement on schedule and workload prior to accepting the paid internship position. The compensation for the internship will be paid at the amount advertised in this posting.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition division
Hennepin County Human Resources department
Submit a request at hennepin.us/ask-hr or 612-348-7855

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Internship: Environmental Health