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), Field Operation Section is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist 4 (Working Supervisor).  This position will serve as a working supervisor of professional staff engaged in pollution control or pollution abatement programs in the field or office setting or serves as a staff member of consulting agency personnel on complex or difficult problems or studies which have program or policy impact.  In this position, you would be the technical division expert on hydrology related issues within the unit.  The successful candidate will have experience independently working on studies which have a number of unknowns and require advanced knowledge and/or experience to complete.  As an EPS4, you will be reviewing technical and scientific information regarding a particular case and providing technical assistance to staff inspectors, professional staff, and mine operators.

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 Field Operations Section staff in the Bureau of Water, Water Pollution Control, Field Operations Section, Peoria Regional Office
• Directs highly technical site inspections/investigations, complaint and incident inspections, and special investigations.
• Provides complex technical support for the enforcement process.
• Reviews highly complex and technical scientific documents including.
• Conducts meetings and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. Interpreting and explaining Agency policies and water pollution control regulations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of 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 four (4) years of professional experience in the field of environmental protection or a related field.

Specialized Skills

Of the four (4) years’ experience required,

requires four (4) years’ experience in conducting compliance inspections of facilities associated with the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water pollution control program, 

four (4) years’ experience in drafting technical inspection reports,

four (4) years’ experience in applying water pollution control laws, regulations, and permit requirements to facilities associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control programs,

four (4) years’ experience in reviewing technical documents associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control programs.

four (4) years’ experience in analyzing and interpreting complex and technical scientific data associated with water pollution control facilities, installations, equipment, and processes, and

four (4) years’ experience in establishing and maintaining liaison with and communicating technical information to government officials, facility owners, facility operators, and the general public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in conducting inspections of facilities associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control programs.
• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in drafting technical inspection reports.
• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in applying water pollution control laws, regulations, and permit requirements to facilities associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control programs.
• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in reviewing technical documents associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control programs.

Preferred Qualifications (continued)

• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in analyzing and interpreting complex and technical scientific data associated with water pollution control facilities, installations, equipment, and processes.
• Prefers at least four (4) years’ experience in establishing and maintaining liaison with and communicating technical information to government officials, facility owners, facility operators, and the general public.
•  Prefers a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or engineering.
•  Prefers the ability to explain water pollution control laws, regulations, and permit requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
•  Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of software applications

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.