ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST I-1382100

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Air (BOA), Air Quality Planning Section (AQPS), Monitoring Operations/Northern Region Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I). This position observes and participates in conducting routine technical and scientific inspections/evaluations at air monitoring sites for the Northern Region. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders.

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. Observes and participates in conducting routine technical and scientific inspections/evaluations at air monitoring sites for the Northern Region, Monitoring Operations Unit, Air Quality Planning Section, Air Pollution Control Division, Bureau of Air;

• • Conducts inspections to ensures monitoring equipment is running properly and collecting verifiable air data.
  • Schedules preventive maintenance, quality control checks to ensure the flow rate of monitoring equipment is within specified standards, and quality control operational checks to ensure the monitoring equipment is operating correctly and meets calibration specifications.
  • Gains knowledge and training in interpreting and applying appropriate standard operating procedures and management guidelines.
  • Travels in performance of duties.

30%  2. Observes and participates in routine installation and collection of sample filters;

• Gains knowledge and training in interpreting and applying appropriate standard operating procedures and management guidelines.
• Assists higher level staff in ensuring required materials are available for assigned monitoring sites, sites meet safety and siting criteria, and reporting identified problems to management.

(Job Responsibilities continued)

25%  3. Assists higher level staff in routine technical and scientific analysis and repair of air monitoring equipment;

• • Determines when monitoring equipment cannot be repaired in the field and must be sent to the Monitoring Lab
  • Installs and removes monitoring equipment (climbing, lifting and carrying of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds).

05%  4. Participates and observes higher level staff in meetings, internal and external audits, and investigations into monitoring results requested by management.

• Assists in responding to routine technical and scientific inquiries regarding instrumentation, operation, and air monitoring techniques associated with field investigations of the ambient levels of air pollutants.

05%  5. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires the knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of college with coursework in the physical, life or environmental sciences and requires either:
   1. one year of professional experience in pollution abatement or a related field, or
   2. completion of an agency approved training program. OR
2. Requires a master’s degree with coursework in the physical, life, or environmental sciences.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1. Prefers ability to analyze and interpret the scientific data of plans for facilities, installations and equipment.
2. Prefers ability to establish and maintain working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant managers, or their representatives.
3. Prefers ability to interpret pertinent state laws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures of the agency to individuals and municipal bodies.
4. Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel software.
5. Prefers the ability to follow oral and written instructions; and to plan, schedule, and prioritize daily work.
6. Prefers coursework (18 – 20 semester hours) in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

Conditions of Employment

1. This position is considered heavy work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(d)). Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
2. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
3. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
4. Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.