Environmental Health Manager

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the “Impact Award” from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary: 

This position develops, administers, coordinates and evaluates the environmental health programs of the county which conform to the goals and objectives of the department and the regulations and standards of state and federal agencies. Directs professional and support staff who are engaged in the enforcement of federal, state, and local environmental health laws and regulations, consultation and education related to a variety of environmental health issues. Responsible for the administrative functions of the Environmental Health Division.

Salary Range:  $84,988 - $109,262 annually (depending on years of experience) 

Excellent Benefits Plan: Health insurance begins on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Manages contracts with service providers and vendors.
2. Plans, develops, administers, and evaluates environmental health programs which conform to the goals and objectives of the department and the regulations and standards of state and federal agencies. Ensures minimum program requirements, county policies, and ordinances are met. Assumes statutory authority of the Health Officer as directed or in the absence of the Health Officer.
3. Works with the Health Officer and various community partners to identify environmental health needs and develop comprehensive programs and policies. Analyzes current environmental health services and recommends the development of new programs. May address professional organizations and/or media in reference to environmental health issues.
4. Participates in the interviewing and selection of employees and oversees personnel management functions including training, assigning functions, scheduling, reviewing and evaluating performance, and addressing employee relations issues.
5. Interprets all laws, codes and, standards relevant to environmental health policy. Provides technical guidance and assistance to professional staff, other public agencies, and private citizens on environmental health programs and related public health matters.
6. Establishes program priorities and schedules inspections of public and private facilities to determine conformance to minimum environmental standards, and to ensure appropriate enforcement of all applicable codes, laws, and standards.  Monitors case progress and ensures timely completion of inspection reports.  Evaluates inspection reports and seeks voluntary compliance of involved individuals. As necessary, orders closure, abandonment of facilities, or initiates legal action to protect the environment and public health.
7. Develops, revises, and implements procedures and policies for the environmental health division.  Drafts and revises operating policies, inspection practices, and reporting mechanisms. Drafts environmental health code revisions.
8. Coordinates the review and oversight of cases involving permit denial, enforcement action, or legal action. Coordinates administrative hearings and testifies at court proceedings related to licensing and permitting activities, food service issues, and appeals of permits denied.
9. Provides division budgeting recommendations and participates in the planning and preparation of the division budget.  Authorizes and monitors budget expenditures throughout the year to ensure expenditures are within budget limits.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health or a related field.  
2. Possession of current registration as a Sanitarian in the State of Michigan or as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist from the National Environmental Health Association.
3. Five (5) years’ experience as a Sanitarian.
4. Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License.

1. Master’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health or a related field. 
2. Five (5) years’ experience as a Sanitarian preferably including at least two years of supervisory experience.