Environmental Health Program Specialist

The Environmental Health Program Specialist is a valuable member of our Environmental health team who with minimal supervision by an Environmental Health (EH) Program Coordinator(s) or Deputy Director, performs office and field work to facilitate the designated EH Program through the issuance and coordination of permits and plans, and the maintenance of activities and policies related to the design and operation of facilities or components regulated by the Program to which he or she is assigned. Trains, advises and counsels environmental health staff in matters relating to solid waste, food safety, water wells and/or onsite wastewater treatment systems, including inspections and enforcement of ordinance provisions and/or other laws or regulations. May be assigned additional higher-level duties such as technology/software lead, or circuit court and administrative adjudication lead/liaison.

Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours per week

• Conducts site visits, field inspections, educational presentations and investigations as part of routine duties.
• On a regular basis, consults with, and provides detailed information to industry professionals, co-workers, supervisors and the public.
• Completes reports, correspondence, logs and other required documentation related to the regulation of the Program.
• Conducts staff and industry training.
• Maintains positive and productive relationships with industry, other pertinent regulatory agencies and local officials.
• Analyzes data regarding the functioning of the Program, and assists Program Coordinator or Deputy Director to assure quality improvement within the Program.
• Collects and analyzes samples under prescribed methods as required.
• Advises and counsels staff in matters relating to the Program including inspection, training and enforcement of ordinance provisions.
• Assists the Program Coordinator or Deputy Director in ensuring the Program continues to meet or exceed compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) rules and regulations, or contractual obligations.

• Assists the Program Coordinator or Deputy Director in insuring consistency among staff in enforcing ordinance or other regulatory provisions.
• Participates in making recommendations that formulate program policies and procedures.
• Reviews for accuracy and consistency of the work of general staff.
• As part of a Multidisciplinary Team, participates in joint reviews of proposed projects with relevant county, state, and federal agencies including but not limited to Lake County Planning, Building and Development, Lake County Storm Water Management Commission, Lake County Department of Public Works, Lake County Department of Transportation, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Army Corps of Engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program from a university or recognized standing with major course work (minimum 30 semester hours) in Environmental Health, Biology, Chemistry or a relevant physical science or engineering discipline.

• Two years of relevant experience in the regulation of food protection, water well, solid waste, and/or individual sewage disposal programs.
• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Public Administration, or a relevant biological or physical science or related field, is preferred, and may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Illinois Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner is required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record.

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community. 

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.