HEA Environmental Health Specialist

Adamscountyil; Quincy (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Adams County Health Department is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist within the Health Protection Division. The role focuses on protecting the public from environmental factors by conducting inspections, investigations, sampling, and enforcement actions in areas including food service, potable water, private sewage, tanning facilities, and daycare centers.

You will perform field and office duties, review plans, gather samples for lab analysis, educate staff, and participate in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in physical or biological sciences.
• Valid driver's license; licensure as Environmental Health Practitioner encouraged after 2 years.
• Experience in food safety, potable water programs, or environmental health areas preferred; inspections or regulatory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of retail food service establishments, tanning salons, daycare facilities, and private water wells.
• Review plans and field investigations to ensure compliance with state and county ordinances.
• Collect water samples for laboratory testing and investigate public health nuisance complaints.

Skills

Inspections

Regulatory knowledge

Public health

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 30+ semester hours in physical/biological sciences

Job description

• Salary/Pay Rate: $40,000-$50,000 / annually
• Posted Date: 10/13/2026 8:30 AM

Job Title: Environmental Health Specialist

Division: Health Protection

Reports To: Director of Health Protection

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000 annually

Requirements

• 1 – Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in physical or biological sciences
• 2 – Certification: Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required; After two years of employment, licensure as an Environmental Health Practitioner is strongly encouraged
• 3 – Experience: Experience in food safety, potable water programs, sanitary waste disposal, or other environmental health areas preferred; Experience conducting inspections or working in regulatory environments preferred

Description of Position

The Sanitarian performs professional environmental health work focused on protecting the public from environmental factors that may adversely impact health. This position conducts inspections, investigations, sampling, and regulatory enforcement in areas including food service, potable water, private sewage, non‑community water supplies, tanning facilities, daycare facilities, and nuisance complaints. Work involves both field and office functions and requires a strong understanding of environmental health principles, regulations, and enforcement practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Health Inspections & Enforcement

• 1 – Conduct inspections of retail food service establishments, temporary food vendors, tanning salons, daycare facilities, private sewage disposal systems, and private water wells
• 2 – Review plans and conduct field investigations to ensure compliance with state and county ordinances
• 3 – Enforce county ordinances regarding sewage disposal and potable water safety
• 4 – Collect water samples for laboratory testing through the Illinois Department of Public Health
• 5 – Investigate public health nuisance complaints, including environmental hazards, sanitation issues, and vector concerns

Public Health Protection & Program Duties

• 1 – Meet standards required under the IDPH Health Protection Grant (food, water, sewage)
• 2 – Educate food service workers and participate in foodborne illness outbreak investigations
• 3 – Serve as a resource to the public, contractors, and businesses by answering questions and providing guidance
• 4 – Present information at administrative or court hearings regarding environmental health matters
• 5 – Collect environmental samples for laboratory analysis
• 6 – Assist in training new Environmental Health staff
• 7 – Participate in educational programming and community outreach

Documentation & Reporting

• 1 – Maintain accurate inspection reports, activity logs, correspondence, and enforcement documentation
• 2 – Prepare formal reports and maintain records in compliance with program standards
• 3 – Use personal computers for documentation, communication, and regulatory workflows

Knowledge Requirements

• 1 – Inspection practices, methods, and techniques
• 2 – Sanitation principles related to environmental health and vector control
• 3 – Environmental health regulations, ordinances, and compliance strategies
• 4 – Interviewing methods and techniques

Other Responsibilities

• 1 – Stay current with Environmental Health laws, codes, and best practices through seminars, publications, and training
• 2 – Attend required departmental meetings and in‑service trainings
• 3 – Perform other environmental health duties as assigned