What does this job look like at AHS?

A public health inspector’s primary objective is to identify and eliminate public health hazards. Public health inspectors conduct risk assessments, perform inspections, follow up on complaints, collect samples, and enforce the legal requirements of Public Health Act regulations. They rely on operator education as a primary tool to gain legislative compliance but can escalate enforcement activities if education is unsuccessful.

As part of their work, public health inspectors conduct inspections and investigations at facilities such as restaurants and other food production facilities, adult and childcare facilities, schools, personal service facilities (such as tattoo and body piercing shops), rental housing, swimming pools, and drinking water facilities. They also assess facility plans and land use applications, investigate communicable diseases, evaluate public health nuisance conditions, as well as test and monitor recreational bodies of water, food supplies, and other environmental factors to ensure public safety. Public health inspectors collaborate with other public health inspectors, other public health professionals, Medical Officers of Health, engineers, and lawyers. They also work with external stakeholders including business owners, consultants, community associations and other interest groups, as well as various Government of Alberta Ministries.

Public health inspectors generally work 7.75 hours a day, Monday to Friday. Most inspectors are employed by Alberta Health Services, but they can also work with Alberta Health, Health Canada, and various private businesses. The majority of public health inspectors work full-time; however, part-time positions do exist. Inspectors work in 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 may be exposed to chemicals, animals, insects, allergens, unsafe buildings, and other potential safety risks while on the job.

For more information on a career as a Public Health Inspector, and how to become a Certified Public Health Inspector in Canada, visit Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). For additional information about Environmental Public Health in Alberta visit our website.

To learn more visit Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS).

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