ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Associate Director’s Office, Office of Toxicity Assessment is seeking to hire an Environmental Health Specialist I.  This position will evaluate human health and ecological risk from exposure to hazardous substances by calculating soil and groundwater remediation goals and standards. The position will also advise Illinois EPA staff of advances in scientific literature and changes to federal policy or guidance regarding hazardous substances and the mathematical models used to estimate risk levels. The ideal candidate will have experience in risk assessment and toxicology with coursework in environmental science and public health.

The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Observes and participates in, human health and ecological risk assessments for chemical exposures from hazardous waste sites or other potentially hazardous exposure conditions for the Office of Toxicity Assessment (TOX), Associate Director’s Office (ADO). 
• Observes and assists in the review of environmental and biological sampling from other sources to determine contamination and relative degree of hazard.
• Assists in preparing fact sheets, special studies, consultation, and projects.
• Observes, assists, and participates in community involvement activities at hazardous waste site areas and other areas where contamination is of concern to a community statewide.
• Attends professional meetings and training to expand job knowledge and skills appropriate to program areas.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum of 30 semester hours in the physical and/or biological sciences.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers elementary knowledge of biology, chemistry, microbiology, and toxicology as they relate to environmental health and safety. 
• Prefers elementary knowledge of epidemiology and the relationship of environmental conditions to the spread of disease.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of general environmental health sanitation principles and practices.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of field sampling and equipment testing techniques.
• Prefers the ability to learn related field investigative techniques.
• Prefers the ability to prepare routine reports, correspondence, and activity logs. 
• Prefers the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Prefers the ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with coworkers and the general public.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access software.

Employment Conditions

• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.