ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST IV

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Public Water Supply, Field Operations, Central Region, Champaign Regional Office is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist 4 to serve as a Working Supervisor and Technical Expert.  This position will supervise the unit of professional and technical staff (approx. team of 2-4) in the Field Operations Section at the Champaign Regional Office.  The successful candidate will have experience in preparing evaluation reports/documents detailing areas of the evaluated facilities (public water treatment plants) which are non-compliant with State/federal laws, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures.  As a technical expert, the successful candidate will have and utilize their advanced knowledge in public water supplies when reviewing technical and scientific information and applying complex scientific principles to obtain the most desirable outcome.

The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Serves as working supervisor to the Champaign Regional Office Field Operations Section (FOS) technical/professional staff in the Champaign Regional Office, Central Region FOS, Field Operations Section (FOS), Division of Public Water Supplies, Bureau of Water (BOW).
• Serves as technical expert by conducting highly complex inspections and evaluations of public water supplies pursuant to State and federal rules.
• Responds to highly complex public water supply emergencies and citizen complaints/inquiries.
• Administers and proctors the Operator Certification testing process for the Operator Certification Unit of the Compliance Assurance Section (CAS).
• Participates in enforcement cases for the Central Region in consultation with Division of Public Water Supplies, and Agency Division of Legal Counsel (DLC).
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years college with coursework in the physical, life, or environmental sciences, engineering, or geology. 
• Requires (4) four years of professional experience in the field of environmental protection or a related field.

Specialized Skills

Of the (4) four years or required experience,

• requires (4) four years’ experience in interpreting and applying state laws, rules, regulations, and standards governing public water supplies,
• requires (4) four years’ experience inspecting, evaluating, and/or operating public water treatment facilities, requires (4) four years’ experience in applying or complying with the rules governing the sanitary survey process of public water supplies consistent with Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR 16) and State regulations, requires (4) four years’ experience in analyzing and interpreting complex and extensive scientific data relating to public water treatment facilities, installations, equipment, and processes,
• requires (4) four years’ experience in preparing detailed and comprehensive reports of complex and sensitive field inspection and/or investigations,
• requires (4) four years’ experience in establishing and maintaining a liaison relationship with municipal officials, facility owners and operators, plant managers, or their representatives, and professional staff in a private or public organization,
• requires (4) four years’ experience in preparing clear and concise written reports and correspondence, good organizational skills, and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience in interpreting and applying state laws, rules, regulations, and standards governing public water supplies.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience inspecting, evaluating, and/or operating public water treatment facilities.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience applying or complying with the rules governing the sanitary survey process of public water supplies consistent with Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR 16) and State regulations.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience analyzing and interpreting complex and extensive scientific data relating to public water treatment facilities, installations, equipment, and processes.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience preparing detailed and comprehensive reports of complex and sensitive field inspection and/or investigations.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience establishing and maintaining a liaison relationship with municipal officials, facility owners and operators, plant managers, or their representatives, and professional staff in a private or public organization.
• Prefers at least (4) four years of experience preparing clear and concise written reports and correspondence, good organizational skills, and decision-making abilities.
• Prefers an extensive knowledge of modern inspectional and investigative techniques and procedures.
• Prefers a thorough knowledge of public water treatment facilities and related techniques, procedures, and processes.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers’ license.
• As required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, this position will be required to take (within 90 days of employment) and maintain working knowledge of (8-hour annual refresher) and/or certification to ensure position is up to date with laws, rules, and regulations to maintain compliance with IL Department of Labor Occupational Safety Regulations:  24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics to the job duties.
• Requires ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Requires the ability to operate field water testing and sampling equipment.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.