ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST I

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), Water Pollution Control, Compliance Section Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I) positions perform beginning level
professional duties related to the observation, participation in, or conducting compliance and/or enforcement actions pursuant to Section 31 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.
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, assists and participates in preparing, timely implementing, and monitoring until complete routine compliance and/or enforcement actions pursuant to Section 31 of the Illinois
  Environmental Protection Act, for the Compliance Section, Division of Water Pollution Control, Bureau of Water.
• Observes, assists and participates in utilizing and maintaining applicable State and Federal compliance and enforcement databases.
• Observes, assists and participates in routine compliance program activities.
• Observes, assists and participates in initiating and providing routine input at meetings to develop plans or programs for achieving compliance.
• Observes, assists and participates in drafting routine management summaries, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)s, and project status reports utilized by management for program oversite.
• 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

• Prefers working knowledge of modern inspectional and investigative techniques and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of modern environmental control systems, facilities, techniques and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations as pertaining to environmental protection or pollution abatement.
• 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 and general public.
• Prefers ability to interpret pertinent state laws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures of the agency to individuals and municipal bodies.
• Prefers ability to operate field equipment (and sampling equipment) such as a camera, dissolved oxygen testing and monitoring equipment, Hach field kit, real time analyzer, hand-held gas detectors, sound level meters and (drilling, sampling, and probing equipment).
• Prefers ability to meet safety standards as specified by applicable state and federal laws.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer and knowledge of software applications.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.