ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GEOLOGIST I

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

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.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date:  Jul 16, 2025
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62704

Job Requisition ID:  48438

Job Requisition ID: 48438 
Closing Date: 07/29/2025
​Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GEOL I - 13801 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: 
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,148 a month; Full Range $5,148 - $7,227 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063
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.

 

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.

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land,  Federal Site Remediation Section (FSRS), which is involved in the oversight of work being conducted under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Geologist I. This position will perform Remedial Project Manager (RPM) duties to include beginning-level duties relative to planning and review of geologic investigations on Superfund and Department of Defense sites, with primary emphasis on training and professional development leading to highly independent work and responsibilities. This position will assist in planning, reviewing, observing, and conducting field investigations with other geologists, engineers, and scientists from Illinois EPA and other state and federal agencies and responsible parties concerning projects related to the FSRS. Experience drilling soil borings, installing monitoring wells, logging soil types, mapping with ArcGIS, and groundwater contaminant fate and transport modeling is preferred. The EPG role in FSRS is ideally suited for a motivated self-starter.

The benefits of working at the IEPA 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 routine scientific and geologic/hydrogeologic reviews of sites/facilities and routine
    on-site inspections for the Bureau of Land (BOL), Deputy Bureau Chief, Federal Site Remediation Section, Unit B.
  • Receives training and assists higher level staff to ensure appropriate application of Applicable or Relevant and
    Appropriate Requirements (ARARs), including the following: CERCLA, NCP, Federal Facilities Compliance Act,
    Illinois Environmental Protection Act, 35 Illinois Administrative Code, and other environmental laws, statutes, rules/
    regulations, policies/procedures germane to a given situation.
  • Prepares for supervisor’s close review intra-Agency, inter-Agency and third party scientific/geologic/hydrogeologic
    memoranda and correspondence, including scopes of work, work plans and cost estimates for CERCLA
    investigations, feasibility studies, decision documents, design, and construction projects.
  • Receives training, observes, and participates in routine on-site inspections including: multi-media hazardous/toxic
    substance investigations, cleanup and/or remediation system construction oversight and legacy monitoring activities
    for quality assurance/control purposes, oversight of installation and sampling of groundwater monitoring wells, soil
    and hazardous waste sampling, geophysical methods, excavation, groundwater pump and treatment systems, onsite
    treatment alternatives, hazardous and non-hazardous waste unit closures, and other remedial construction
    activities;
  • Assists in the negotiation of enforcement orders for Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study and Remedial
    Design/Remedial Action activities.
  • Attends, observes, and participates in legal hearings and Superfund public information activities; interprets laws,
    rules/regulations, policies/procedures pertaining thereto.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated
    above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in geology, including at least 12-16 semester credit hours in groundwater, hydrology,
    hydrogeology, soil physics, and/or soil chemistry.
  • Requires no previous experience.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

  •  Prefers specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in groundwater geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil physics, soil
    chemistry, or closely related geological science.
  •  Prefers Licensed Professional Geologist.
  •  Prefers ability to establish and maintain working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant
    managers, or their representatives and interpret pertinent state laws, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of the agency
    to individuals and municipal bodies.
  •  Prefers working knowledge of modern environmental control systems, facilities, techniques, and procedures along with
    ability to analyze and interpret the scientific data of plans for facilities, installations, and equipment.
  •  Prefers working knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations as pertaining to environmental protection or pollution
    abatement.
  •  Prefers ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software with training,
    education, and experience with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), contaminant fate and transport modeling and
    bioremediation. 
  •  Prefers ability to operate field equipment such as a camera, dissolved oxygen testing and monitoring equipment, sound
    level meters, photoionization detector, real-time gas analyzers and other field equipment (drilling, sampling, and probing
    equipment).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Requires a current and valid driver’s license. 
  •  Requires the ability to travel. 
  •  Requires ability to participate in the medical monitoring program. 
  •  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: 40-hour OSHA training. 
  •  Requires the ability to pass a named-based background check.

 *The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job
description.

Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: 2520 West Iles Avenue Springfield, IL 62704

Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256


Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Environmental & Natural Resources

 

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: Springfield