Environmental Health Coordinator

Role Overview

The City of Somerville is seeking an Environmental Health Coordinator to support the Environmental Health Manager in carrying out and helping shape programs, policies, and regulations tied to environmental health concerns. The position centers on rodent/vector control, while also contributing to broader policy work on other environmental health matters affecting the city. The role includes resident and business outreach, and acting as a liaison to the City Council on related issues.

Core Duties

• Work with the Environmental Health Manager, Department of Public Works, Capital Projects, and department leadership to develop programs, policies, and procedures for rodent control at both property and neighborhood levels.
• Partner with DPW and HHS to oversee city rodent control contracts and manage the associated budget.
• Gather, organize, and review data for weekly, monthly, and annual reporting, while maintaining the citywide rodent control database.
• Create systems to monitor outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of rodent control initiatives.
• Handle persistent cases as a case manager, coordinate property- and neighborhood-level responses, and support staff in aligning resources for the rodent residential program, the City’s SMART program, and code enforcement efforts to reduce rodent activity in targeted areas.
• Implement and manage field technology used in pilot projects, working with other city departments and neighboring municipalities.
• Serve as the contact point for the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Board of Health, and respond to public questions about rodent control and other environmental health concerns.
• Help shape and carry out regulations or ordinances related to other environmental health issues, including air quality, lead paint, soil contamination, and asbestos, as needed.
• Prepare community education resources and informational materials.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in environmental, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, public health, public policy, urban planning, or a closely related discipline from an accredited college or university, along with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. An equivalent mix of education, training, and experience may also be considered if it provides the knowledge and skills needed for the job. Experience working with diverse stakeholders is required, along with excellent writing and speaking ability. A master’s degree is preferred.

Licenses and Work Expectations

A valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license and access to a reliable motor vehicle during all working hours are required. The job involves regular fieldwork, inspections, testing, and attendance at evening meetings, and may require work outside standard business hours to support programs and community engagement. The position also includes both office-based and field-based environments, with some event setup and occasional physical exertion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will understand integrated pest management, relevant federal/state/local environmental regulations, and environmental health science concepts. They should be able to use computers, handheld devices, or tablets for inspections and investigations, interpret environmental health findings, manage multiple projects, and work effectively with public officials, community groups, and businesses. Bilingual ability in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole is preferred. Strong analytical thinking, writing, and speaking skills are essential, and experience with GIS and/or programming languages is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The role is primarily office-based with regular fieldwork. The environment may include typical office discomforts, distracting noise, and varied conditions during events. Physical requirements are light overall, with most work involving sitting, along with intermittent standing, walking, and stooping. Occasional lifting of objects up to 30 pounds may be needed, and some tasks may require extended physical effort, particularly when setting up events and rodent control technologies in the field. The work also requires frequent reading and use of office equipment and communication tools.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-union position. The salary range is annualized at $75,000 to $78,000, plus benefits.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City provides auxiliary aids, alternative-format materials, and reasonable policy modifications free of charge upon request for qualified individuals with disabilities. Requests for effective communication support such as CART or ASL, or for accessible materials or accommodations, should be directed to the ADA Coordinator.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of conflict-of-interest law education for municipal employees

Total Rewards and Benefits

• 4 weeks of annual vacation for non-union roles; union leave benefits vary by contract.
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission, with the City covering 80% of premium costs.
• Dental coverage through Cigna, including low and high plan options.
• Vision coverage through VSP.
• Long-term disability coverage through Sun Life.
• Group and optional life insurance through Boston Mutual.
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts through Benefit Strategies.
• Deferred compensation plans available through three vendor choices.
• Free, confidential employee assistance services through E4Health.
• Annual cancer screening and wellness leave.
• Somerville Retirement Pension System.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• MBTA pass program.
• Free Blue Bikes membership.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Benefits apply to benefits-eligible positions and are provided as a general summary, not a binding contract.