Student Intern, Environmental Health

The Town of Needham seeks a motivated individual to provide support to the Health and Human Services Department as a part-time spring Student Intern. This temporary, part-time role will introduce you to a variety of Public Health programs aimed to protect the public’s health and safety through implementation and enforcement of State and Federal regulations and local Board of Health ordinances.

This internship is ideal for those currently studying public health or interested in learning more about public health and a future serving others.

Position: January-June, 2025
Hours: 15 hours per week
Hourly Range: $17.17-24.88

CON #25051

Duties and Responsibilities

• Shadow staff in inspecting and evaluating health risks in full range of food establishments related to exterior sanitation concerns, food, nuisance (noise/odors), tobacco, housing, swimming pools, pests, and septic systems.
• Support ongoing educational services to the public by creating and distributing brochures as well as working with staff to develop information for cable slots/Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on a variety of environmental and community health topics.
• Develop social media posts for the Health Divisions’ Facebook and Twitter accounts on Environmental Health related topics for effective public outreach including education to food permit holders and their staff on proper sanitation protocols.
• Assist in maintaining the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards including gathering data needed to adopt FDA Standard 8, our last standard to adopt, and in conducting annual assessments for already adopted FDA standards.
• Participate in trainings assigned by supervisor and join bi-weekly inspector Team Meetings, with Environmental Team staff, to learn more about niche and emerging items that inspectors are discussing.
• Learn about grant application and management through researching potential grant opportunities and brainstorming potential grant-funded projects.
• Meet with and shadow public health employees to learn about their roles and the variety of services provided by the Town of Needham.
• Perform clerical duties and other administrative tasks, as needed.

Requirements

• Eagerness to gain knowledge about local public health and community outreach
• Skill in creating communications such as posters, PowerPoints, and social media posts
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks and duties

Supplemental Information

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application via our applicant portal.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on January 3, 2025.

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.

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 tswanson@needhamma.gov.