$39.42 to $59.53 per hour
Other benefits
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
Degree in environmental health, public health or a related field
Higher classifications may require higher education
Public health inspectors assist in the identification, planning, implementation and evaluation of environmental public health activities across the province of Alberta. They enforce sections of the Public Health Act and regulations pertaining to environmental public health concerns at public facilities.
Public health inspectors always have the best health and safety interests of the public in mind and work to minimize or eliminate risks to the public before a hazard exists. They perform inspections, follow-up on complaints, collect samples, enforce legal requirements, as well as provide advice and referrals, information and education services. They may also test and monitor water supplies, food supplies and other environmental factors to ensure they are clean and safe. In addition, public health inspectors may provide work leadership and expertise to other public health inspectors, public health inspector trainees, students, other health care professionals and business proprietors.
As part of their work, public health inspectors are visiting places in the community like schools, care facilities, restaurants, health centres, personal service facilities, hotels and motels, rental housing locations and public recreation sites. Public health inspectors collaborate with other public health inspectors, managers, administrative staff, medical officers, communications advisors, physicians and other health care professionals to ensure high standards of public health and awareness of public health issues. They also work with external stakeholders including business owners and managers, consultants, Alberta Health and Wellness representatives, elected officials and the media.
Public health inspectors may work full-time or part-time hours or on a call-in (casual) basis. They can apply for positions that are permanent, temporary or casual depending on department and facility needs. Shift schedules may include a combination of day, evening, weekend and holiday shifts, as well as on-call duties. At times, public health inspectors may be required to work late at night or during special events.
Public health inspectors may be required to reach, bend, crouch and climb during the course of their work. They may need to travel in all-weather conditions and must carry a laptop computer and portable printer with them most of the time. Public health inspectors may be exposed to chemicals, animals and insects, allergens, unsafe buildings and other potential safety risks while on the job. They are also responsible for enforcing health related legislation, which involves issuing legal orders to business owners or facility operators to improve the environmental conditions within public establishments.
