ENVIRONMENTAL SANITARIAN 18280-PA6040

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

PUBLIC WORKS – PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITARIAN

Kenosha County Planning & Development is accepting applications for an

Environmental Sanitarian.

The Public Works Environmental Sanitarian administers the daily Private Onsite Waste Disposal Systems (POWTS) program for the entire county ensuring compliance with the State of Wisconsin Administrative Code rules and the Kenosha County Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Ordinance.  This position reports to the Director of Planning & Development and the County Executive.

Kenosha County is committed to Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion and is an

Equal Opportunity Employer.

2025 Hiring Range:  $62,540 – $74,452

  Position Summary and Job Duties

• Issues and reviews private sewage system permits for conventional and holding tanks in accordance with the Wisconsin Administrative Code and the Kenosha County Sanitary Ordinance.
• Issues private sewerage system permits for mound and pump tank submittals that are approved by the State.
• Maintains entries in the permit tracking program of private sewage systems including holding tank, septic tank, pretreatment unit, supplemental treatment device, and At-Risk POWTS maintenance event reports.
• Provides quarterly and annual audit information on permit issuance and inspections to the State Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).
• Prepares and submits recordable documents for the Register of Deeds with regard to maintenance of a POWTS components and other conditional approvals; Collects recording fees.
• Shares information on training opportunities for POWTS installers and soil testers; Responsible for official communications pertaining to the County POWTS program to area installers, soil testers, and service providers, as well as town and municipal officials.
• Recommends and coordinates drafting of updates and amendments to the Kenosha County Sanitary Ordinance Sanitary Code and Private Sewage System Ordinance and presentations to the Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee and the County Board.
• Represents the County at appeal hearings for the Sanitary Board of Review.
• Accepts, determines eligibility, and forwards grant applications for the Wisconsin Fund grant program for failing septic systems to the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• Oversees, reviews and approves soil and site evaluations performed by certified soil testers and determines compliance with the Wisconsin Administrative Code and completes required written documentation for each site.
• Serves as an information resource for the general public regarding POWTS issues as it relates to soil suitability, design, use, location, maintenance, replacement funding sources and programs available, regulatory codes and new technologies to developers, County departments, citizens, elected officials, engineers and planners.
• Conducts the final inspections prior to backfilling of all POWTS installations (including mounds and pump tanks) in the County to assure compliance with the State & local Administrative Codes.
• Performs field investigations of failed POWTS and assists homeowners with obtaining compliance with state and County Sanitary Codes.
• Administers State of Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services agent status plan review for holding tanks and conventional systems.
• Works with Corporation Counsel on enforcement cases regarding orders to replace failing POWTS and citations issued by the sanitarian pertaining to violations of the County Sanitary Code.
• Maintains database of records for all submitted soil and site evaluations conducted in the County as well as all sanitary permits issued for POWTS.
• Performs ongoing maintenance to the Kenosha County Sanitary Maintenance Portal (KCSMP) and resolves or coordinates resolution activities with appropriate department(s), entities.
• Processes and receipts program fee payment(s) of sanitary permits and other department program documents.
• Attends daytime and evening meetings pertaining to the Wisconsin Administrative Code for POWTS.
• Maintains ongoing continuing education credits necessary for licensing / certifications renewals.
• Responds to complaints related to unsafe or unsanitary conditions, such as sewage leaks or improper wastewater disposal.
• Performs related work as required.

Success Factors

• Understanding of septic system design, installation, and maintenance practice.
• Knowledge of Kenosha County Zoning, Comprehensive Plan, Non-Metallic, Stormwater & Erosion Control, Sanitary and Subdivision Ordinances.
• Knowledge of public meeting procedures - Planning, Development, & Extension Education Committee, Board of Adjustments and local Village/Town plan commission and board. 
• Knowledge of Wisconsin statutes 145, and Administrative Codes SPS 381-385, 387, 391, NR 811 & 812, KCSMP, Community Development, eTRAKiT, Power Apps, & CivicPlus user interface, ArcView GIS, and Adobe Pro software, Laserfiche.
• Skill in general mathematics.
• Skill in survey techniques.
• Skill in reading maps.
• Skill in blueprint reading/evaluation.
• Working knowledge of application and use of Munsell Soil color book.

• Strong verbal & written communication skills.
• Strong public speaking skills.

• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Computer skills mainly when using geographic information system software.
• Drawing and mapping skills to prepare visually effective site plans.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Strong field investigation and inspection skills.
• Ability to explain complex project requirements in an easy to understand manner.
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times.
• Ability to use a variety of office equipment including map plotter, printer/copier, computer terminal, digital camera and telephone.
• Ability to use a variety of maps, public land records, legal property descriptions, ordinances, statutes, and other land use related information.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to work within a team environment to share and discuss ideas.
• Ability to research and compile information from other existing ordinances, statutes, codes, and laws which may be used to improve current ordinance.
• Ability to work in a wide range of environmental conditions including inclement weather.

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field
• 2 years of soil testing, POWTS inspections
• Or any combination of training, education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities related to soil science and wastewater treatment

Other Job Requirements

• Certified Soil Tester, POWTS Inspector
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Requirements

• Registered Sanitarian, POWTS Maintainer

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective first of the month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Time Off
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan:  Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Paid Volunteer Time

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force frequently.
• Ability to climb in and out of soil borings (up to 10 feet in depth).
• Walking on uneven terrain on landscapes and construction sites.
• Perform above in all weather conditions.

Selection Process

• Application Review - Qualifying
• Oral Interview - Qualifying
• Background Check - Qualifying
• Physical/Drug Screen - Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

To learn more about Kenosha County Planning & Development, please visit: Planning & Development | Kenosha County, WI - Official Website

Applications must be submitted no later than Thursday, February 20, 2025. 

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer.  Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The full pay grade for this position is E7 (Min. $62,540 – Max. $86,365). 

This position is located in Kenosha County which is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago.  To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit:  https://www.visitkenosha.com/

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County! 

Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.