May 2025 Employee Spotlight

Policy, Analysis, and Communications (PAC) is pleased to announce the May 2025 Olmsted County Employee Spotlight recipient, Claire Knocke.

Claire works as an Environmental Health Specialist in Olmsted County Public Health Services. She is described by her nominator as a true leader and mentor on the team. They say she dives into new things and encourages everyone on her team to do the same.

In an interview with Olmsted County Communications Specialist Emma Diercks, Claire shared more about her role, experiences, and a little bit about herself! 

How long have you worked with Olmsted County?

I have worked for Olmsted County for 10 years. I started as a sanitarian apprentice before becoming an environmental health specialist. 

What are some of your job responsibilities?

I work on a team of eight in Environmental Health – the regulatory branch of Public Health. We license facilities like food establishments, pools, lodging, camps, and special events. Our work protects public health by ensuring these places are safe and sanitary. We also provide training, outreach, and review plans for new establishments.

How would you describe the team of people you work with?

We have an awesome, collaborative team in Environmental Health. We feel comfortable sharing ideas and regularly discuss problem areas or challenging situations, which leads to shared learning and solutions.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the variety, flexibility, and time to pursue topics that are important to us. One example is a manufactured home park with many public health concerns. While compliance with state regulations was important, we also recognized that food insecurity, safety, and even broken windows were bigger daily concerns for residents. Kids were coming to school just to be warm and sleep. We brought together partners from Olmsted County, the City of Rochester, Rochester Public Schools, community organizations, and park residents and management. The collaboration led to real improvements, and it couldn’t have happened without support from leadership and the freedom to take a different approach.

You recently received the Staffenson Award, which is the Minnesota Environmental Health Professional of the Year award for this work! This award is given to environmental health professionals in Minnesota who contribute to the development, expansion, or advancements of environmental health. Can you share a little about receiving this honor?

I was caught in disbelief, humbled, and honored. The award focused on the work at the manufactured home park and a community of practice with other Environmental Health departments from delegated agencies. It’s a way to share knowledge and learn from each other. Both programs have been successful. Again, these efforts wouldn’t happen without space to pursue them and support from management and the team.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

When a business breaks the regulations tied to its license, we have to take enforcement action. Our team works hard to help them maintain compliance through education, communication, and resources. When an establishment reaches the point where we have to take action, it’s disappointing.

Describe how you live out one of Olmsted County’s values of being thoughtful, principled, inclusive, service focused, and collaborative in your work.

I’m service focused and collaborative. More than half of my work is food service, and many places are small, family-owned establishments that need extra help. We work together through education and resources to ensure food served to the public is safe.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy traveling, hiking, and camping with my partner, Mark, and our two dogs. I’m also an oil painter. One year, I was accepted to the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts competition. That was cool.

What would you tell someone considering a job at Olmsted County?

Go for it!  It is an awesome place to work. The flexibility, benefits, and culture make it a great place.