Per Diem Environmental Health Inspector

The Town of Needhams Public Health Division seeks an engaged individual for the position of Per-Diem Environmental Health Inspector supporting the inspection investigation and evaluation of health risks and the enforcement of applicable national state and local environmental sanitary and health regulations and permit requirements.

Scheduled for on-call work as needed.

CON #27027

• Inspect and evaluate health risks in full range of food establishments as well as oversee compliance with appropriate laws regulations rules and ordinances including Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code and Title Five state sanitary septic code.
• Conduct inspections of nursing and rest homes residential and housing facilities motels recreational camps for children health clubs ice skating rinks public and semi-public swimming pools public bathing beaches; inspect and investigate off-street drainage subdivision control solid waste noise tobacco water vector control and air pollution when directed.
• Review online permit applications and conduct a variety of plan reviews (i.e. food/tobacco establishments demolitions additions to homes on septic systems pool permit renewals/plan reviews septic hauler/installers septic system construction permit applications animal permits bodywork permits disposal of sharps permits well permits etc.) via the Town of Needham online permit application system.
• Serve as backup to conduct plan reviews investigate foodborne illness complaints issue order letters impose fines and conduct administrative hearings to ensure safe food operations.
• May occasionally provide training support and assistance on issues related to environmental health regulations performing federal state and local inspections emerging public health issues effecting compliance with regulations and other areas of expertise to assist other public health partners.
• Assist with adopting and maintaining the 9 FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards and records maintenance.
• Assist in applying for future FDA grants and writing grant reports.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform the job:

• Duties require extensive knowledge of environmental health and sanitation equivalent to completion of a four-year college degree program/bachelors degree in public or environmental health Community Health Public Administration or a related field.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of work experience are required in public or environmental health public policy or a related field. Part-time and volunteer experience will be considered.
• Possession of a valid state-issued drivers license with the ability to travel independently among each community.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Excellent communication interpersonal and critical thinking skills.

• Registered environmental health agent or academically qualified to take and pass the registered sanitarian examination within one year of hire.
• Lead determination certificate Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification ServSafe Food Manager certification and Food Allergen Awareness certification within six months of hire.
• MA Soil Evaluator and Title Five inspector certification a plus.
• Code enforcement food inspection and the use of electronic inspection software experience a plus.

To apply please submit your resume cover letter and application by clicking Apply.

Applications will be accepted until11:59 AM on Friday October 9 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race age gender national origin disability religion or belief sexual orientation marriage/civil partnership pregnancy/maternity veteran status or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries please contact us at

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview please contact us at