HEA Environmental Health Specialist

Job Title: Environmental Health Specialist
Division: Health Protection
Reports To: Director of Health Protection
Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000 annually

Requirements:
1 – Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in physical or biological sciences

2 – Certification: Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required; After two years of employment, licensure as an Environmental Health Practitioner is strongly encouraged

3 – Experience: Experience in food safety, potable water programs, sanitary waste disposal, or other environmental health areas preferred; Experience conducting inspections or working in regulatory environments preferred

Description of Position:
The Sanitarian performs professional environmental health work focused on protecting the public from environmental factors that may adversely impact health. This position conducts inspections, investigations, sampling, and regulatory enforcement in areas including food service, potable water, private sewage, non‑community water supplies, tanning facilities, daycare facilities, and nuisance complaints. Work involves both field and office functions and requires a strong understanding of environmental health principles, regulations, and enforcement practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Environmental Health Inspections & Enforcement
1 – Conduct inspections of retail food service establishments, temporary food vendors, tanning salons, daycare facilities, private sewage disposal systems, and private water wells
2 – Review plans and conduct field investigations to ensure compliance with state and county ordinances
3 – Enforce county ordinances regarding sewage disposal and potable water safety
4 – Collect water samples for laboratory testing through the Illinois Department of Public Health
5 – Investigate public health nuisance complaints, including environmental hazards, sanitation issues, and vector concerns

Public Health Protection & Program Duties
1 – Meet standards required under the IDPH Health Protection Grant (food, water, sewage)
2 – Educate food service workers and participate in foodborne illness outbreak investigations
3 – Serve as a resource to the public, contractors, and businesses by answering questions and providing guidance
4 – Present information at administrative or court hearings regarding environmental health matters
5 – Collect environmental samples for laboratory analysis
6 – Assist in training new Environmental Health staff
7 – Participate in educational programming and community outreach

Documentation & Reporting
1 – Maintain accurate inspection reports, activity logs, correspondence, and enforcement documentation
2 – Prepare formal reports and maintain records in compliance with program standards
3 – Use personal computers for documentation, communication, and regulatory workflows

Knowledge Requirements
1 – Inspection practices, methods, and techniques
2 – Sanitation principles related to environmental health and vector control
3 – Environmental health regulations, ordinances, and compliance strategies
4 – Interviewing methods and techniques

Other Responsibilities
1 – Stay current with Environmental Health laws, codes, and best practices through seminars, publications, and training
2 – Attend required departmental meetings and in‑service trainings
3 – Perform other environmental health duties as assigned