ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III, OPTION 1

Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety.  With an annual budget of over $600 million in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,100 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Environmental Health Specialist in our Division of Environmental Health. This Environmental Health Specialist position provides support and coordination in Division food safety programs and helps the Division respond program requests from our regulated entities.

Job Responsibilities

1.  Travels to conduct routine and complex on-site investigations for Swimming Facilities, Manufactured Home Communities, Migrant Labor Camps, Recreational Areas, Lead, Water Well, Private Sewage, Toxicology and other programs within the Division to determine compliance with program mandates, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Performs complex sampling such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF), testing procedures, environmental sampling and interviewing to ensure regulations are met.
• Conducts interviews, collects samples, examines sites, gathers information and data and documents evidence for Division Programs.

2.  Conducts detailed investigations of complaints and potential violations of applicable laws and regulations in Division of Environmental Health programs.

• Provides review and direction to the regulated industry on statutory requirements and regulatory compliance.

3.  Conducts peer and data package reviews, provides written comments on health risk assessments and health consultations, and responds to public inquiries regarding indoor air quality concerns.

4.  Provides detailed written reports, forms and correspondence related to site investigations and complaints, including sample result interpretation, assembly and submission of evidence and preparation of enforcement documents required to assure compliance with statutory mandates and grant objectives.

5.  Provides technical assistance and advice to the regulatory industry, public and program partners.

6.  Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with at least 30 semester hours in the physical or biological sciences.
• Requires three years of professional experience in environmental health practice.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two years of experience in a regulatory, licensing or certification program.
2. Working knowledge of database information systems.
3. Two years’ experience with preparing written documentation and reports.
4. Two years’ experience in environmental field sampling equipment and testing techniques.
5. Two years’ experience providing guidance and support (i.e. customer service) to the public, regulated entities, and/or stakeholder groups.
6. Two years’ experience conducting training, inspections, or audits of environmental health staff.
7. Working knowledge of outbreak investigation principles and procedures.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires use of personal vehicle for extensive work-related travel within the State.
• Requires possession of a current and valid driver’s license.