Environmental Protection Specialist I

Date:  Feb 4, 2025

Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Job Requisition ID:  44545

​Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPEC I - 13821 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None 
Closing Date/Time: 02/19/2025
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,766 monthly; Full Range $4,766 - $6,632 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC062

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.

Posting Identification Number  44545 

Environmental Protection Specialist I

(Job Assignment Only: Targeted title for Life Sciences Career Trainee Bid Req# 44544)

***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.

*Answer all questions thoroughly-DO NOT STATE SEE RESUME*

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 Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Surface Water Section, Northern, Central, and Southern Monitoring/Central Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I.  This position observes, assists and participates in routine duties related to the Surface Water Section. The ideal candidate will assist higher level staff in drawing conclusions that ultimately lead to preliminary recommendations for approval or denial of permits, variances or standards. The position will also assist higher level staff in the interpretation of environmental laws and regulations, bureau/division programs, permit actions, cleanup actions, and environmental/health impacts to prepare documents and reports.

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, participates in, and assists higher level specialists with stream and lake
  monitoring and assessment activities in the Northern, Central, and Southern Monitoring
  Unit/Central, Surface Water Section, for the Division of Water Pollution Control/Bureau of
  Water;
• Observes, participates in, and assists higher level specialists in monitoring activities of
  streams and lakes to support the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Network, Intensive Basin Survey, Ambient Lake,
  Harmful Algal Bloom, and Facility-Related Stream Survey programs;
• Participates in the preparation of the biennial Clean Water Act Sections 305(b)/303(d) Integrated
  Report;
• Observes and participates in the development and review of assessment tools and technical
  documents;
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the
  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

• 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 at least one (1) year experience in preparing comprehensive, technical and scientific reports of

field investigations and/or inspections.

• Prefers at least one (1) year experience analyzing and interpreting 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, sound level meters.

• Prefers at least one (1) year experience in utilizing a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft

Word, Access, Excel, presentation software, GIS, and statistical analysis packages.

• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience utilizing scientific testing and sampling equipment and

established protocols to monitor aquatic macroinvertebrates, aquatic habitat, or water chemistry, and
prefers experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates.

• Prefers Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic or environmental), with specific coursework (15-

17 semester hours) in Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Ecology, or closely related environmental science.

Specialized Skills

• Of the one year of required experience; requires one year of experience with the testing

and sampling protocols established to monitor aquatic macroinvertebrates, aquatic habitat and
macrophytes, or water chemistry; identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates; interpreting biological, physical, or
chemical data in assessment of the quality of surface water resources; experience utilizing databases,
statistical software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS); experience in the preparation of scientific
reports and presentation of their results.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to swim.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires the ability to operate small watercraft (e.g., canoe, boats equipped with outboard motors

weighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples.

• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.

Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday

Work Location: 2520 West Iles Ave. 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