Environmental Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.35 Hourly
Location : 111 N. County Farm Road- Wheaton, IL
Job Type: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Job Number: 26-01411
Service Unit: Community Health
Department: Environmental Health
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Description
Do you have a good knowledge of the principles of environmental sciences, chemistry, biology and laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures? Then we invite you to apply today. We are looking for a new team member to join us working as an Environmental Health Lab Technician in Wheaton. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting potable and non-potable water testing and related tasks, as well as managing all quality control related procedures for our internal water laboratory. This position includes a paid training program that includes job shadowing, structured training activities, and review of state code and lab manual procedures. State certification will be provided as a certified lab analyst for potable water analysis. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30. *Salary may increase based on experience.
As a DuPage County employee, you will receive a comprehensive benefit package to include, 12 paid vacation days, 5 paid personal days, 12 paid Holidays, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, accrued sick leave and affordable health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blues Shield. We offer tuition reimbursement as well as eligibility for a Federal Student Load Forgiveness Program. This is a pension-eligible position, for a secure retirement.
Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of environmental tests and procedures including, water/wastewater sampling and testing and chemical analysis.
• Operates a variety of laboratory equipment, e.g., microscope, autoclave, pipettes, etc.
• Prepares and processes specimens for either internal or external testing, including packaging and completing chain of custody documentation.
• Develops and maintains quality control procedures in compliance with applicable laboratory regulatory authorities such as IEPA, IDPH, USEPA.
• Contacts clients via telephone to communicate results and corresponding follow-up actions; performs data entry for testing results.
• Prepares and distributes specimen kits to staff.
• Maintains current listing of certified laboratories who provide out-of-house testing; meets established productivity standards/
• Develops and maintains training for internal staff.
• Acts as back-up for administrative staff.
• Produces reports for internal staff and external agencies.
• Responds to client questions and complaints.
• Follows proper methods of infection control and sterilization.
• Manages biohazard waste storage for the agency.
• Maintains a clean work area.
• Maintains, calibrates and trouble-shoots lab equipment; assists with field collection of specimens and samples during foodborne or other illness outbreaks.
• Provides supervision to assigned interns.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to patient privacy laws.
• Adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.
• Maintains required training, licensure, and/or certification.
• Shows sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.
• Participates in emergency response activities as assigned.
• Assist with mosquito identification and testing.

Requirements
Completion of an Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Biological, or a related field and a minimum of six (6) months of experience performing laboratory water sampling and analysis; or an equivalent combination of training and experience that complies with State requirements.
Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Good knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control practices. Working skill in performing laboratory analysis; working skill in the operation of laboratory equipment; working skill in interpreting results where there may be multiple variables; working skill in maintaining accurate reports and quality control; working skill in written and verbal communication; working skill in developing and maintaining positive and professional relationships with internal and external customers; working skill in operating applicable computer hardware, software, and peripheral equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and carry/and or move a minimum of 25 pounds. The work environment for this position frequently includes working with hazardous materials and chemicals and around odors.
Equal Opportunity Employer DuPage County Health Department is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
DuPage County Health Department offers a variety of benefits to meet your needs. Please visit on our Careers Page for more information.
Benefits for Employees
Employees of the DuPage County Health Department may select from a variety of benefits to meet their needs.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits.
Health Department benefits are administered through the DuPage County Government Human Resources Office. Detailed descriptions and premium rates of these plans are available at
Medical Insurance
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is our current health insurance provider. Full-Time Health Department employees may select from four medical insurance options: three preferred provider organization (PPO) plans and one health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. You may speak to a doctor anytime through the Teledoc program, which provides access to U.S. board-certified doctors through the convenience of phone or video consults.
Plan participants are also eligible for a variety of added discounts on gym memberships and other health-related products and services. They also have access to the Well on Target program, which provides a convenient, secure website with personalized tools and resources such as health coaching, health assessments, and digital tools to track health information important to you.
Vision Discounts & Insurance
A vision care discount program is available as part of the medical insurance plans. Comprehensive vision insurance is also available.
Prescription Plans
Prescription coverage is available with all medical plans and includes the convenience of a mail-order option. Staff may also use the on-site pharmacy at the Central Public Health Center located in Wheaton.
Dental Insurance
The Delta Dental PPO program allows you to visit any dentist you wish.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts allow you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay expenses such as those not covered by medical or dental insurance, or day-care costs.
Life Insurance
All full-time employees are provided a $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. Supplemental coverage is available for the employee, their spouse, and their children.
Disability Insurance
Employees may elect additional accident and critical illness disability benefits.
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What area is your Degree in (for example, Public Health Management, etc.)
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