Retail Food Program Coordinator; Environmental Health Spec III

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist to support the Division of Environmental Health. The specialist will coordinate food safety programs and respond to program requests from regulated entities.

• Flexible hybrid work schedules (where available)
• Competitive health, life, dental and vision plans
• Pension through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre‑tax Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• 10–25 days of paid vacation annually (10 days first year)
• 12 paid sick days annually (carryover year to year)
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro‑rated)
• 13–14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources

• Under direction of the Food Program Manager, plans, directs, evaluates, and coordinates activities of the Retail Food Program, maintains program tracking, and assists with projects related to state food protection standards.
• Participates in training and auditing of state and local health department food protection personnel in interpretation of Illinois food regulations.
• Reviews suspected or confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks and ensures information is provided to local health departments to guide environmental investigations.
• Manages regulated food salvage and bottled water facility records.
• Serves as liaison to staff from the Office of Disease Control, Division of Laboratories, other state agencies, and local health departments to coordinate responses to suspected and confirmed foodborne illness.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the enumerated duties.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least 30 semester hours in the physical or biological sciences.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in environmental health practice.

• Two (2) years of experience in a regulatory, licensing or certification program.
• One (1) year of experience implementing program budgets.
• One (1) year of experience coordinating grants or contracts.
• Two (2) years of experience providing guidance and support to the public, regulated entities, and stakeholder groups.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting food safety training, inspections, or audits.
• Working knowledge of outbreak investigation and environmental sampling.

• Requires use of personal vehicle for extensive travel within the state.
• Requires possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions apply. Employees should be aware of the need to notify OEIG before accepting non‑state employment within one year after leaving state employment.

The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees communities to maintain optimal health and safety, operating with an annual budget over $2 billion, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees.

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. State employees should sign in to the career portal for state employees. Non‑state employees should log in on  For questions, consult the state job application resources.