Environmental Protection Engineer I (Ump)

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), Bureau of Land, Permit Section, Resource and Recovery Act Unit A, is hiring an entry-level Environmental Protection Engineer I. The position provides hands-on training and mentorship from experienced engineers while the employee develops expertise in hazardous waste permitting and remediation. The employee assists with reviewing facilities that manage or dispose of hazardous waste or are affected by it, supporting the Agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment. The role calls for an organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and collaborative professional who exercises discretion when handling sensitive or controversial matters and communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The employee works under close supervision and receives guidance from higher-level engineers on engineering functions related to hazardous-waste permit review. Work includes reviewing technical, scientific, and engineering applications and reports; considering remediation objectives for compliance with applicable regulations; responding to routine inquiries; and learning about hazardous-waste permitting and corrective action. The position is based at the Agency’s Springfield headquarters, with reporting there as operational needs require. The posted schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch; the position’s workweek is 37.5 hours. The position requires a valid current driver’s license, travel, a name-based background check, and OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment with annual refresher training or certification as applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering science, or equivalent knowledge, skill, and mental development from four years of college in a qualifying engineering specialty or closely related engineering specialty.
No previous experience is required.
Valid and current driver’s license.
Ability to travel.
Ability to pass a name-based background check.
Complete required 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment and maintain required working knowledge through an 8-hour annual refresher and/or certification, as applicable.
Professionalism and discretion, including when handling sensitive or controversial matters.
Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering curriculum with 10–15 credit hours of coursework related to soils, geology, hydrogeology, and environmental-engineering-related courses that meets standards established by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Professional Engineering and Practice Act.
Ability to use a personal computer and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Responsibilities

Under close supervision and with guidance from higher-level engineers, perform engineering functions related to review of hazardous-waste permits for sites that manage, dispose of, or are contaminated with hazardous waste, under applicable RCRA regulations, including 35 Illinois Administrative Code Part 742 (TACO).
Document findings from reviews of technical, scientific, and engineering applications and reports used as a basis for hazardous-waste permit issuance or denial.
Work with higher-level engineers to review proposed remediation objectives for compliance with 35 Illinois Administrative Code Part 742 TACO regulations.
Work with higher-level engineers to respond to routine verbal and written inquiries from the regulated community and public about permit decisions and State and Federal hazardous-waste laws and regulations.
Acquire technical knowledge and information related to hazardous-waste permitting and corrective action.
Observe higher-level staff and participate in interpreting and evaluating hazardous-waste permit application processes.
Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position.