ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST I
Des Plaines, IL, US, 60016
Job Requisition ID: 52736
Closing Date: 03/05/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENV PROT SPECIALIST I (13821)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,954 monthly; Full Range $4,954 - $6,894 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
Posting Identification Number 52736
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST I
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
***Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. ***
Note: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must verify and have proof of higher education and coursework (if applicable) for any degree earned before any offer can be extended.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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 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, detail oriented and will 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.
Essential Functions
- 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.
- Observes and participates in routine installation and collection of sample filters.
- Assists higher level staff in routine technical and scientific analysis and repair of air monitoring equipment.
- Participates and observes higher level staff in meetings, internal and external audits, and investigations into monitoring results requested by management.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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:
a) one year of professional experience in pollution abatement or a related field, or
b) completion of an agency approved training program.
OR
- Requires a master’s degree with coursework in the physical, life, or environmental sciences.
Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)
- Prefers working knowledge of modern inspectional and investigative techniques and procedures.
- Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive, technical and scientific reports of field investigations and/or inspections.
- Prefers ability to analyze and interpret the scientific data of plans for facilities, installations and equipment.
- Prefers ability to establish and maintain working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant managers, or their representatives.
- Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel software.
- Prefers the ability to follow oral and written instructions; and to plan, schedule, and prioritize daily work.
- Prefers coursework (18 – 20 semester hours) in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- 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.
- 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 travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
- Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Headquarter Location: 9511 Harrison St, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: Joe Mercier
Email: joseph.mercier@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-2361
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
Agency Statement: The mission of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State of Illinois, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. IEPA works to safeguard the states natural resources from pollution to provide a healthy environment for its citizens. By partnering with businesses, local governments and citizens, IEPA is dedicated to continued protection of the air we breathe and our water and land resources.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago