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Environmental Protection Specialist I

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Email

Job Requisition ID: 49576 
Closing Date: 09/23/2025
​Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPEC 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: 1
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.

 

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.

 

Environmental Protection Specialist I Req# 49576

(Job Assignment Only: Targeted title for Life Sciences Career Trainee Bid Req# 49575)

 

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 (BOL), Field Operations Section, Northern Region/Des Plaines is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I. This position performs beginning level professional duties related to conducting routine field inspections/investigations of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal facilities and remediation sites. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed and 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 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 or conducts routine field inspections/investigations of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal facilities and remediation sites for the Field Operations Section (FOS), Bureau of Land (BOL), Northern Region/Des Plaines;
  • Provides for Region Manager’s close review and signature;
  • Assists in providing information (verbally or in writing) on relevant environmental matters to facility owners/operators, the public, governmental agencies and others outside the Agency.
  • Assists with collecting water, soil and waste samples to substantiate violations and/or determine the extent of contamination;
  • Attends and participates in meetings and keeps current on relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to waste management in Illinois;
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

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 one (1) year of experience of modern inspectional and investigative techniques and procedures.
  • Prefers one (1) year of experience of modern environmental control systems, facilities, techniques and procedures.
  • Prefers one (1) year of experience of state laws, rules and regulations as pertaining to environmental protection or pollution abatement.
  • Prefers one (1) year of experience utilizing a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.
  • 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 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 such as a camera, dissolved oxygen testing and monitoring equipment, Hach field kit, real time analyzer, and sound level meters.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires ability to participate in the medical monitoring program and pass a physical examination, which is intended to determine whether a person can wear respiratory protection and function in high heat stress situations while wearing chemical protective clothing.
  • Requires ability to wear a respirator or other form of respiratory protection and carry and utilize a self-contained breathing apparatus (weighing approximately 25 pounds).
  • Requires ability to wear chemical resistant clothing in high heat stress situations while performing strenuous physical tasks (e.g. carrying equipment up a steep ravine at a temperature up to 100F).
  • Requires ability to lift heavy equipment (e.g. 45 pounds).
  • Requires ability of hiking, climbing, wading in streams or getting in/out of boats or swimming in emergency situations to get to sites (as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120).
  • This position will be required to complete (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 a valid driver’s license.
  • Requires the ability to travel.
  • Requires the 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.

    *All conditions of employment listed 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: 9511 W Harrison Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016

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