Environmental Protection Engineer I (Ump)

State of Illinois•Champaign, IL

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Bureau of Water, Field Operation Section, Champaign Regional Office is hiring an Environmental Protection Engineer I. This closely supervised entry-level position provides an introduction to and training in engineering programs for field operations. The employee assists higher-level engineers and specialists with investigations involving the design, location, construction, maintenance, or inspection of subsystems at public and private facilities related to field operations. The position supports inspections of wastewater treatment, sewer, stormwater, mine, and livestock facilities; investigations of water-pollution complaints and emergency incidents; enforcement support; and reviews of water-pollution permit and facility documents. The employee also participates in meetings and stakeholder communications while gaining experience under higher-level field staff. The position is based at the Champaign Regional Office. The anticipated hybrid schedule is four to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch. Overtime may be required, including evenings and weekends, and travel, sometimes with overnight stays, is required. The role requires a valid driver’s license, completion of 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment and an annual refresher, lifting equipment up to 50 pounds, and operating field water-testing and sampling equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering science or equivalent knowledge, skill, and mental development; qualifying disciplines include specified engineering specialties or a closely related engineering specialty.
No previous experience is required.
Valid and current appropriate driver’s license.
Complete 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment and maintain working knowledge through an 8-hour annual refresher and/or certification, as required.
Ability to travel to perform duties, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, when requested or required.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and training.
Ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate field water-testing and sampling equipment.
Ability to pass a name-based background check.
This position is an Upward Mobility Program credential title; employees seeking to use UMP contractual rights must apply internally and upload a UMP grade notice with their application.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or agricultural engineering.
Knowledge of water-pollution control technologies, facilities, and technical documents.
Knowledge of inspection and investigative techniques, equipment, and procedures.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and permit requirements concerning water-pollution control or abatement, and ability to explain the enforcement process.
Ability to prepare comprehensive and timely inspection findings reports.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex and extensive scientific data relating to facilities, installations, equipment, and water-pollution control systems and processes.
Ability to establish and maintain liaison and communicate inspection findings with local, State, and federal officials; facility owners, operators, plant managers, or their representatives; and the public.
Ability to use a personal computer and software applications.

Responsibilities

Assist higher-level field staff with inspections of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities; combined and separate sanitary sewer systems; municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), industrial, and construction stormwater facilities; mine facilities; and livestock facilities.
Assist higher-level field staff with investigating and evaluating citizen complaints and emergency response incidents related to water pollution, odors from wastewater treatment and livestock facilities, and fish kills.
Assist higher-level field staff in providing technical support for the enforcement process.
Assist higher-level field staff with reviewing technical documents related to federal NPDES and State water-pollution permits; facility plans and specifications; long-term control plans; CMOM plans; wastewater operator contracts; and loan projects.
Participate with higher-level field staff in meetings and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.