Environmental Health Specialist Iii, Opt

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.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to plan and conduct difficult and complex inspections of regulated facilities as part of the manufactured food program, dairy program, bottled water program and tanning and body art programs as required by the rules and regulations. Makes decisions based upon complex factors relating to processing, production and sanitation. Conducts investigations in response to complaints, contamination or illness.

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre‑tax programs
  -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10‑25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro‑rated dependent on start date)
• 13‑14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www
2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

• Plans and prepares schedule strategy for inspection of regulated entities.
• Performs equipment checks of dairy and manufactured food plant pasteurization equipment systems to ensure proper operation and accuracy.
• Collects official food, water and environmental samples as directed by Regional Supervisor or in compliance with the food or dairy enforcement program.
• Responds to incidents and conducts complex investigations of food safety concern, including but not limited to, complaints, foodborne illness outbreaks, tampering incidents and emergency recall implementation.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university of college with 30 semester hours in the physical or biological sciences.
• Requires three (3) years of professional experience in environmental health practice.

• Three (3) years experience conducting field inspections, surveys and investigations to determine eligibility for licensure or certification and /or assess compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Three (3) years experience performing equipment checks of dairy and manufactured food plant pasteurization equipment systems to ensure proper operation and accuracy.
• Three (3) years experience collecting field samples and operating field testing equipment.
• Three (3) years experience responding to incidents and conducting complex investigations of food safety concern.
• Three (3) years experience writing inspection reports and communications to the public and regulation entities.

• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to complete necessary training to obtain and maintain required certifications to conduct sample collection, bulk milk hauler/sampler and inspection of dairy regulated entities.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions…