Public Health Environmentalist/Sanitarian

Job Title: Public Health Environmentalist / Sanitarian

Division: Environmental Health

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Summary: Under general supervision of the Environmental Health Director, performs technical field investigations in environmental health programs. The emphasis is on application of general environmental health practices and techniques. This work consists of field and office work, including dissemination of public information fostering improved community and environmental health. This individual may help train personnel in specific environmental health activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct routine environmental health program inspections including, but not limited to, programs in food sanitation, potable water supplies, private sewage disposal, solid waste, nuisance control, and insect and rodent control.
• Prepare activity reports and records of inspections, investigations and correspondence.
• Select, prepares and submits samples of food, private water, etc. for laboratory analysis; performs simple field tests.
• Assist and makes collections of data, documentary evidence, etc. for use in prosecution of cases of non-compliance and epidemiological investigations.
• Understand state laws, local ordinances, rules and regulations; offer guidance on sanitation practices and principles; advises regarding improvements or corrections necessary to assure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Interpret pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
• Perform technical inspections and make correct recommendations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings relative to pertinent equipment installations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data and make reasoned recommendations.
• Handle conflict and confrontation in a firm, professional manner suggestive of solutions.
• Participate in emergency response activities as assigned for both exercises and actual events.
• Incorporate ethical standards of practice into all interactions, including the use of data and information.
• Adhere to HIPAA privacy regulations and OSHA safety standards pertaining to exposure to toxic substances or other hazards.
• Interact with diverse populations effectively and professionally, regardless of age, cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, lifestyle and physical ability. And respect the cultural, language and religious practices of others.
• Assume responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing continuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

• Serves as lead in designated EH program areas.
• Provide a monthly update to the EH Director on any program updates or issues.
• Assist in the development of training programs, program reviews and program education.
• Provide assistance and training to public health inspectors for all EH programming.

Qualifications:

-

Requires Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 semester hours in the life, natural, physical or health sciences;

• Requires proficiency in basic computer skills, including e-mail and internet. Prefer knowledge and skills in the areas of word processing (Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (Excel) and database management (Microsoft Access). Good knowledge of portable document formats a plus.
• Requires travel by automobile on a regular basis. Valid driver’s license, proof of minimum insurance and vehicle required.

–

• May require walking long distances on uneven surfaces and standing in slippery, muddy and/or remote areas.
• Must be able to move or carry up to 25 lbs.

Skills and Characteristics:

• Ability to use correct grammar and maintain good written communication skills. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Must have initiative, strong organization skills and ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to present and conduct self professionally; a commitment to confidentiality; and a willingness to work as part of a team. Sound judgment, independent decision making, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are also a must.
• Flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with all levels of internal staff as well as external partners.

Work Environment:

• Frequent interruptions and distraction with multiple concurrent tasks;
• Position requires evening, early morning, or weekend work for special program events or inspections;
• This position involves working in an outdoor environment where climate conditions may be extreme;
• Position requires both off-site field work and office work.

Specialized Training Requirements (post-hire):

• Employee must complete New Sanitarian Level I training, as required by IDPH, within 12 months of hire. Levels II and III trainings are required for new sanitarians within 24 and 36 months of hire; respectively.
• Employee must apply for licensure as a Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP) within three years of employment.
• Illinois Mandated Reporter
• In service training as required
• Incident Command IS 100 and IS 700, at a minimum
• Any trainings required under employment law

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,337.20 - $53,963.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,337 - $53,963