MANAGER OF VECTOR CONTROL
Location: 10220 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455
Shift: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Salary is based on years of experience indicated at the time of application.
About the Role
The Manager of Vector Control leads Cook County Department of Public Health’s (CCDPH) efforts to prevent and control vector-borne diseases and serves as the agency’s primary coordinator for regional mosquito and vector control activities across suburban Cook County. This position fosters collaboration among mosquito abatement districts, local health departments, municipal governments, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, state agencies, and other stakeholders to support a coordinated, science-based approach to vector surveillance, integrated mosquito management (IMM), and vector-borne disease prevention.
The Manager of Vector Control develops and implements countywide strategies to improve coordination, situational awareness, environmental stewardship, preparedness, and public communication regarding mosquito-borne and other vector-borne disease threats. The position applies environmental health principles and competencies to assess risk, inform policy, advance health equity, and protect public health across suburban Cook County.
Responsibilities
- Serves as CCDPH’s subject matter expert for mosquito and vector control activities throughout suburban Cook County.
- Collaborates with and facilitates regular vector control meetings involving mosquito abatement districts, local health departments, municipal governments, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and other stakeholders, including internal staff, discussing best practices, emerging threats, preparedness, operational challenges, research findings, coordinated public messaging, surveillance activities, and policy development.
- Leads and monitors mosquito surveillance, laboratory testing, environmental monitoring, and epidemiologic data to identify trends, emerging threats, and opportunities for intervention.
- Develops countywide situational awareness reports, dashboards, maps, and briefings related to vector activity and disease risk.
- Conducts environmental health assessments and applies risk-based decision-making to support vector control strategies and resource allocation.
- Evaluates vector control programs and recommends improvements based on scientific evidence and public health outcomes.
- Uses findings to inform CCDPH vector control coverage areas, contract management, surveillance activities, and service delivery strategies.
- Identifies service gaps, duplication, and opportunities to improve vector control coverage and coordination throughout suburban Cook County.
- Develops and maintains countywide vector control preparedness and response plans.
- Supports grant development, strategic initiatives, and funding opportunities related to vector-borne disease prevention and environmental health.
- Supports spatial analysis and mapping activities to inform surveillance, treatment planning, and program evaluation.
- Promotes adoption of science-based Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) principles among municipal governments, community stakeholders, and vector control partners.
- Engages municipal governments regarding mosquito management practices and promotes evidence-based approaches that align with public health goals.
- Collaborates with mosquito abatement districts and the Forest Preserves of Cook County to support mosquito management strategies that protect public health while preserving ecological resources.
- Promotes consistent application of evidence-based mosquito management frameworks in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Communicates technical and scientific information to elected officials, municipal leaders, public health professionals, community organizations, and residents.
- Fosters community understanding of vector-borne disease prevention, environmental health risks, and mosquito management strategies.
- Develops and manages program work plans, contracts, budgets, grants, and performance measures.
- Prepares reports and recommendations for CCDPH leadership, governing bodies, and external stakeholders.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Reviews applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consults with Labor Relations to generate management proposals.
- Participates in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions, and working meetings.
- Documents, recommends, and effectuates discipline at all levels.
- Works closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Initiates, authorizes, and completes disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures, and provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
- Directs and effectuates CCH management policies and practices.
- Accesses and proficiently navigates CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
- Contributes to the management of CCH staff and CCH’s systemic development and success.
- Discusses and develops CCH system policies and procedures.
- Uses independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs, performing functions such as hiring, transferring, suspending, laying off, recalling, promoting, discharging, assigning, directing, or disciplining employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Works with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (must provide proof at time of interview).
- Five (5) years of experience in vector control, environmental health, public health, epidemiology, mosquito abatement, environmental management, and/or a related public health program.
- One (1) year of supervisory or management experience.
- Valid driver’s license to travel throughout suburban Cook County.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Entomology, Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Experience working with mosquito abatement districts or vector-borne disease prevention programs.
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS), Certified in Public Health (CPH), Board Certified Entomologist, or similar professional certification.
- Experience with GIS mapping, spatial analysis, environmental surveillance systems, or integrated mosquito management programs.
- Experience facilitating coalitions, advisory committees, stakeholder groups, or intergovernmental partnerships.
- Experience managing grants, contracts, or federally funded public health programs.
Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of vector-borne diseases, mosquito biology, surveillance systems, and control strategies.
- Knowledge of environmental health principles, integrated mosquito management, public health practice, and emergency preparedness.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations, pesticide stewardship principles, and ecological considerations associated with vector control.
- Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a diverse population.
- Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
- Ability to analyze environmental, epidemiologic, surveillance, and geographic data.
- Ability to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders with varying interests and priorities.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific information to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to develop policies, procedures, and strategic recommendations.
- Ability to lead regional initiatives and build consensus across organizations.
Physical and Environmental Demands
This position functions within a healthcare environment. The incumbent must adhere to all hospital and department-specific safety requirements, including:
- Complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements.
- Following hand washing and sanitizing practices.
- Complying with department-specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions specified by hospital-wide policy and departmental procedures.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Degrees awarded outside of the United States (except those from U.S. territories and Canada) must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at the time of interview.