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), Watershed Management Section, Nonpoint Source Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I. This position performs beginning level professional duties related to observing and participates in or assists higher level staff in managing state and federal watershed management / water quality grant programs and projects for the Nonpoint Source Unit of the Watershed Management Section. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team working culture and will be resilient, adaptable, and innovative with effective verbal and electronic communication skills to share information with 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, participates in, or assists higher level staff in managing state and federal watershed management/ water quality grant programs and projects for the Nonpoint Source Unit of the Watershed Management Section (WMS), Bureau of Water (BOW).
• Observes, participates in, or assists higher level staff in the delivery of technical assistance to watershed planning committees, local governments, agricultural organizations, and other organizations as appropriate regarding best management practices, watersheds and nonpoint and point source water quality issues.
• Assists higher level staff with the development, revision, and updates of WMS programs and program documents as related to watersheds, nonpoint and point source pollution, and their relationship to other state and federal water quality programs.
• Assists higher level staff with the development and promotion of presentation and outreach materials (webpage content, brochures, factsheets, maps, etc.) relevant to the BOW WMS Programs.
• 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 knowledge of watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, best management practices, and process to develop US EPA’s nine element watershed-based plan and their implementation.
• Prefers knowledge of State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and standards pertaining to water quality and quantity issues.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience as a project manager, responsible for review, schedule, budget oversight, invoice processing, and grant tracking of projects.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience conducting outreach and information activities, including development and delivery of written and oral presentations.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience communicating with local government officials, watershed planning groups, or their representatives, and/or agency professional staff.
• Prefers ability to locate and review scientific data relating to point and nonpoint source pollution.
• Prefers ability to review and summarize reports on water quality issues.
• Prefers ability to utilize a personal computer and software applications, including Microsoft and ArcGIS.
• Prefers ability to navigate the Illinois’ Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires ability to pass a name-based background check.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.