Environmental Case Manager

Environmental Health Specialist

Septic Systems & Unfit Housing Case Management | September 16, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs professional environmental health work for the county health department with primary responsibility for (1) permitting and inspection of residential and commercial onsite sewage (septic) systems and (2) case management of unfit and unsafe dwellings under Indiana's Unsafe Building Law. Enforces state and local health and building regulations, investigates complaints, works with owners, contractors, and agencies, and prepares documentation to achieve compliance or support legal action. Works under the general supervision of the Health Department Administrator; requires independent judgment, fieldwork in all weather conditions, and frequent public contact in sensitive situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES – ONSITE SEWAGE (SEPTIC) SYSTEMS

• Review applications, site plans, and soil evaluations for compliance with 410 IAC 6-8.3 (residential) and 410 IAC 6-10.1 (commercial).
• Issue, deny, or condition installation and repair permits; set setbacks from wells, water bodies, property lines, and structures.
• Inspect key construction stages (layout, excavation, tank and distribution installation, final cover) before backfilling.
• Investigate failing systems, straight-pipe or illegal discharges, and untreated wastewater; issue notices of violation and orders to correct.
• Work with owners, licensed installers, soil scientists, and designers to resolve failures; refer for legal enforcement when voluntary compliance fails.
• Maintain permit, inspection, and complaint records in local and state tracking systems; answer public inquiries on requirements, maintenance, and real-estate transfer inspections.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES – UNFIT/UNSAFE HOUSING CASE MANAGEMENT

• Investigate complaints and referrals of dwellings unfit for human habitation under IC 36-7-9 and applicable local housing and nuisance ordinances.
• Conduct exterior and, with consent or a warrant/order, interior inspections documenting structural failure, lack of utilities, infestation, fire damage, hoarding, and sanitation hazards.
• Photograph and document findings, write inspection reports, and determine whether a structure meets the statutory definition of an unsafe building or premises.
• Prepare and issue notices and orders requiring repair or vacation; track compliance deadlines.
• Manage cases through the full lifecycle: notice, service on owners/lienholders, informal resolution, hearing preparation, and referral to the hearing authority, counsel, or building commissioner.
• Coordinate with code enforcement, building and planning, fire, law enforcement, and social service agencies.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assist with other programs as assigned (including food and temporary event inspections, nuisance and solid waste complaints, and vector control).
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and statistics for the Health Officer, Board of Health, and Indiana Department of Health.
• Stay current with changes to the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and local ordinances; represent the department at community meetings, in court, and at interagency case conferences.
• Safely operate a county vehicle and field equipment (soil probes, cameras, GPS, testing equipment); keep mileage and activity logs. Perform other duties as assigned.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & ON-CALL DUTIES

• Participate in the department's emergency preparedness and response plan, including training, drills, and exercises.
• Serve in a 24/7/365 on-call rotation for sewage overflows, water contamination, imminently hazardous structures, and other urgent complaints.
• Report to the county EOC or assigned station when activated, under the county Emergency Operations Plan and IDOH response structure; assist with disaster assessments (flooded wells and septic systems, shelter sanitation, debris, vectors).
• Maintain NIMS/ICS training (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as emergencies or enforcement require.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience preferred in environmental health, public health, soil science, or a related natural or physical science; an equivalent combination of education and field experience may be considered.
• Valid Indiana driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel countywide in all weather.
• Ability to obtain, within the probationary period, credentials required by the local board of health (Registered Environmental Health Specialist).
• Working knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, IC Title 16, 410 IAC 6-8.3, 410 IAC 6-10.1, and IC 36-7-9. Prior experience in environmental health and code enforcement inspections preferred.
• Must pass a background check and, where applicable, a pre-employment drug screen.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Soil science, hydrology, and wastewater treatment principles; ability to read site plans, plats, soil maps, and design drawings.
• Conduct objective inspections and write clear, legally defensible reports, notices, and orders; testify credibly at hearings and in court.
• Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills, including displacement cases; sound judgment on when to involve law enforcement, protective services, or emergency management.
• Proficiency with permitting databases, GPS, digital photography, and office software; maintain confidentiality and manage a concurrent caseload to completion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is split between the office and field sites, including construction sites, rural properties, and vacant, damaged, or unsanitary structures. Requires walking uneven terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and lifting 25–40 lbs. of equipment outdoors in all seasons. May encounter odors, hazardous materials, unsafe structures, hostile occupants, and animals; must follow safety protocols and use PPE.

SUPERVISION & CLASSIFICATION

Reports to

The Administrator

FLSA status

Exempt (per county pay plan)

Supervises

None

Employment type

Full-time, county government

This description reflects the general nature of the work and is not an exhaustive list of duties or an employment contract; the local board of health or health officer may modify duties. Statutory references (IC 16-20, IC 36-7-9

Pay: From $49,620.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person