Sanitation Manager

The Sanitarian Manager is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the hospital's comprehensive environmental health and sanitation programs. This includes ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to public health, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and infection control within the hospital environment to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

The duties typically fall into management, compliance, inspection, and education:

Program Management & Oversight:

Develop, implement, and maintain hospital-wide sanitation, hygiene, and infection control policies and procedures in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control department.

Oversee and manage the sanitation staff, supervisors, and related contracted services (e.g., pest control, specialized cleaning).

Manage the departmental budget, inventory of sanitation supplies, and maintenance schedules for cleaning equipment.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives for facility sanitation performance and processes.

Compliance & Regulation:

Ensure the hospital facility and all operations (e.g., food service, laundry, patient care areas, laboratories) comply with accreditation standards (like The Joint Commission or equivalent) and all local, state, and federal environmental health regulations.

Conduct or oversee regular internal audits and inspections of all hospital areas for sanitation compliance.

Prepare detailed reports, documentation, and presentations for hospital management and regulatory bodies regarding inspection findings and compliance status.

Risk Assessment & Investigation:

Investigate environmental health complaints, potential sanitation breaches, and incidents related to public health hazards (e.g., water quality, improper waste disposal).

Implement and monitor waste management programs, including the safe handling and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous waste materials.

Training & Education:

Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for hospital staff (clinical and non-clinical) on proper sanitation protocols, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning techniques, and infection prevention best practices.

Serve as the subject matter expert for environmental sanitation issues for the hospital leadership team.

Qualifications and Skills

Education & Certification

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific or healthcare field is typically required. A Master's degree (e.g., MPH) may be preferred.

Certification: Certification as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is often required or strongly preferred. Relevant certifications in Infection Control (like CIC) are a significant asset.

Experience: Several years of progressive experience in environmental health, sanitation management, or infection control, with proven supervisory or management experience, preferably within a healthcare or hospital setting.

Key Skills

Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of microbiology, bacteriology, sanitary sciences, and specific healthcare sanitation/infection control standards (e.g., EPA, OSHA, state health codes).

Leadership: Strong leadership, team management, and staff development abilities.

Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for reporting, training, and liaising with clinical staff, administration, and external regulators.

Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong ability to analyze data, conduct complex investigations, and develop effective corrective action plans.

Regulatory Acumen: Proven ability to interpret, explain, and enforce complex health laws and regulations.