Environmental Health Program Specialist

The Environmental Health Program Specialist at Lake County, Illinois, supports the Environmental Health team by performing office and field work, including issuing permits and conducting inspections related to solid waste, food safety, and water systems. Responsibilities include training staff, maintaining compliance with health regulations, and collaborating with regulatory agencies. The position requires 37.5 hours per week and involves site visits and data analysis.
General Description

The Environmental Health Program Specialist is a valuable member to 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 higher level duties such as technology/software lead, or court/administrative adjudication liaison.

Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Essential Functions
• 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.
• Conducts inspections and sampling at all solid waste facilities as required.
• Reviews plans and inspects facilities including, but not limited to, Environmental Health Programs of Solid Waste and Nuisance Control in accordance with local and state rules and regulations.
• Reviews inspection reports of other Solid Waste Program staff for accuracy.
• Assists the Program Coordinator or Deputy Director with ongoing maintenance and management of program records and computer software.
• Oversees daily administration of program records and computer data handling system.
• Assumes the lead investigative role on cases that require more in-depth program knowledge or that involve the State’s Attorney’s Office; prepares cases for enforcement action.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
• 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 Masters 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.
• Requires understanding and knowledge of solid waste facility design and operation.
• Requires knowledge of IEPA regulations and enforcement provisions.
• Requires knowledge of legal requirements for pursuing enforcement actions.

Supplemental Information

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 athttps://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 gradesathttps://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.