ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENGINEER I (UPWARD MOBILITY)-1379100

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Air (BOA), Air Pollution Control Division, Permit Section, Modeling Unit – Chicago is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer I. This position performs a variety of closely supervised functions that are designed to provide a basic introduction to, and training in engineering air quality impact analysis for the Modeling Unit – Chicago. The ideal candidate will assist a higher-level engineer in air quality modeling.

 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.

Job Responsibilities

35% 1.  Receives instruction and guidance in the preparation of engineering air quality impact analyses to be utilized as technical submittals for the Modeling Unit – Chicago, in the Bureau of Air/Air Pollution Control, Permit Section.

• Conducts engineering analysis of industrial/commercial related projects (e.g., as described in letters of intent, negative declarations, environmental impact statements, etc.), enforcement cases, and special studies
• Prepares air quality analyses
• Performs air quality calculations
• Prepares data summaries
• Acquires, reduces, and formats data

25% 2.  Receives training in and assists higher level staff in preparation of basic air quality reports which are utilized as a basis for the air quality reviews;

• Performs or conducts air quality analysis relating to the Bureau of Air’s new source permitting activities associated with new source review.
• Utilizes a personal computer to produce reports

(Job Responsibilities continued)

20% 3.  Receives training to assist higher level staff in performing technical air quality analyses of emission trends to determine the nature of the pollution problems;

• Attends, observes and participates in Agency meetings with industry, governmental organizations, and air pollution control agencies concerning air quality reviews
• Trains in and assists in the development of engineering and modeling technical data utilized in assessing the air quality of the state
• Trains in the preparation of expert testimony for regulatory hearings
• Travels in performance of duties

10% 4.  Acquires knowledge in and receives training in gathering technical information relating to the performance of air quality modeling, including;

• Conducts literature reviews
• Contacts industrial associations and university personnel to obtain related information
• Collects engineering/technical data
• Performs engineering calculations concerning current and future control technology as part of the regulatory development process
• Assists in evaluating environmental control strategies to determine their applicability in Illinois and their effectiveness in improving air quality

(Job Responsibilities continued)

05% 5.  Receives training in and assists Monitoring staff with air pollution forecasting and determination of Air Pollution Action Days.

05% 6.  Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with a bachelor's degree in an engineering science. Typically, the subject matter would involve the type of coursework associated with environmental (sanitary, hydraulic, hydrology, and air pollution specialties), civil (sanitary, hydraulic, and hydrology specialties), general, industrial, mechanical, chemical, public health, electrical, acoustical or aeronautical engineering or engineering mechanics or a closely related engineering special.
2. Requires no previous experience.
3. This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel software.
2. Prefers knowledge of and experience in utilization of Linux operating system or similar type system.
3. Prefers 24 semester hours coursework in atmospheric sciences, including meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, physics, and air pollution modeling.
4. Prefers a Master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid driver’s license
2. Requires the ability to travel
3. Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check