ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Job Requisition ID: 53852

​Agency: Department of Public Health
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPEC I (13768) 
Skill Option: None 
Office:  Health Protection

Division:  Environmental Health

Posting ID:  53-26-0151 / 53852

Posted:   03/02/2026 - 03/16/2026
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,954 /month; Full Range $4,954 - $6,894/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Winnebago
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

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 Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform difficult and complex food safety and dairy inspections, collecting samples, investigating complaints, and providing detailed technical reports for supervisory review and approval. Conducts non-routine investigations in response to complaints, contamination or illness.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• 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

*These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Under immediate supervision, performs elementary professional environmental investigations, collecting samples, investigating complaints, and providing detailed technical reports for supervisory review and approval.
• Prepares detailed reports on investigation findings, sample reports and corrective action necessary
  for compliance with applicable mandates and regulations.
• Participates in conferences, consultations and corrective action planning with owners, the public, program partners and the regulated industry related to applicable environmental programs.
• Attends and completes mandatory knowledge‐based and practical training required by the Office of
  Health Protection standard operating procedure and program requirements for regional program activities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties
  enumerated above.

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

• Elementary knowledge of local, state and federal environmental health and public health laws and regulations.
• One (1) year of experience conducting indoor air quality investigations. 
• One (1) year of experience operating environmental monitoring equipment, analyzing, and interpreting data, and preparing technical reports. 
• One (1) year of experience in environmental field sampling equipment and techniques. 
• One (1) year of experience communicating directly with public entities or regulated entities. 
• One (1) year of work experience using Microsoft software products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel extensively within the state.
• Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

* The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

About the Agency

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 $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 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.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM
Headquarter Location: 4302 N Main St, Rockford, Illinois, 61103
Work County: Winnebago
Agency Contact: DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources; Health Services

 

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

 

Revolving Door:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position.  As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com