SANITARIAN I

Cook-County-Health-; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Pension plan

Deferred compensation

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Job summary

Cook County Government in Illinois seeks a Sanitarian I to conduct inspections and investigations to support public health programs. The role involves collecting samples, evaluating facilities, documenting findings, and submitting reports for correction of public health hazards.

Must be able to travel across Cook County and complete required trainings. The position is grant-funded through 06/30/2027, with a salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Science from an accredited college or university; related fields with 30 science hours considered.
• Valid driver's license and insured vehicle or reliable transportation; travel required.
• Participation in NIMS online training to obtain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections of retail food establishments and other sites.
• Collect samples and witness percolation tests; prepare tests.
• Evaluate compliance with smoke-free laws in restaurants and other venues.
• Investigate public health nuisances as reported or assigned.
• Prepare inspection reports for review and possible submission to State's Attorney for litigation.
• Travel throughout Cook County.

Skills

Environmental health regs

Chemistry & epidemiology

Sanitation principles

Supervisory skills

Written communication

Organizational skills

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Health Science

Job description

Job Description - SANITARIAN I (00139826)

Job Number

00139826

Job Posting

Job Posting: Nov 6, 2026, 3:16:37 PM Closing Date: Nov 21, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Full-time Shift Start Time : 8:30 A.M. Shift End Time : 4:30 P.M.

Collective Bargaining Unit : SEIU Local 73 SEIU 73 Posting Salary : $33.333 - $40.165

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEALTH

SHIFT: 8:30AM-4:30PM

GRANT FUNDED POSITION END DATE: 06/30/2027

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

Job Summary

The Sanitarian I conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of settings as needed to implement public health programs. Collects samples, performs evaluations, documents findings in a clear, concise, and legible manner and submits reports for correction of public health hazards.

Typical Duties

• Performs inspections of retail food establishments; private sewage disposal systems; potable water supplies; public swimming pools; mobile home parks; body art/tattoo establishments; tanning salons; abandoned, new or existing water wells, etc.
• Performs log surveys for private sewage disposal systems and witnesses percolation tests. Performs dye rests on private sewage disposal systems. Under prescribed methods, collects food, water and sewage effluent samples for analysis.
• Evaluates establishments for compliance with applicable smoke-free environment laws in restaurants and other establishments.
• Investigates public health nuisances as reported or assigned.
• Prepares inspection reports in a clear, concise legible manner for review and comment by supervisory and/or administrative personnel. Prepares reports with assistance of supervisory or administrative personnel for submission to the State's Attorney for litigation.
• May testify in court or at hearings on behalf of the Cook County Department of Public Health to obtain regulatory compliance in environmental health programs.
• Must be able to travel throughout Cook County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Science from an accredited college or university. Consideration may be given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least thirty (30) semester hours in the basic sciences. is required. (official transcripts required at time of interview)
• Position requires moderate to heavy local travel for which the employee must possess a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle or otherwise provide an acceptable and reliable means of transportation. is required.
• Must participate in assigned trainings, including on-line training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obtain the mandated certifications. is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of local, county, state and federal regulations relating to environmental health, publichealth standards and regulations.
• Knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, entomology, toxicology and epidemiology as they relateto environmental health and public health protection.
• Knowledge of sanitation principles, methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and ability to train and evaluate staff.
• Strong written and communication skills with the ability to write investigative reports andcommunicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Cook County.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for
adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited
to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment
requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering
and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide
policy and departmental procedures.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Health & Hospitals System preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service, who was not dishonorably discharged.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

IDENTIFY AS A VETERAN ON THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONBY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION “Are you a Military Veteran?”

ATTACH A COPY OF THE VETERANS DD214, DD215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING

Degrees and transcripts from non-U.S. accredited institutions must be translated and certified to theU.S. equivalent academic credentials by a recognized U.S. education interpreter service.