ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST I

State of Illinois • Des Plaines, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Air (BOA), Air Quality Planning Section (AQPS), Monitoring Operations/Northern Region Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I).  This position observes and participates in conducting routine technical and scientific inspections/evaluations at air monitoring sites for the Northern Region. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detail oriented and will 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 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies or other industry related topics to the job duties.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers working knowledge of modern inspectional and investigative techniques and procedures.
• 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 the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel software.
• Prefers the ability to follow oral and written instructions; and to plan, schedule, and prioritize daily work.
• Prefers coursework (18 – 20 semester hours) in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

Responsibilities

• Observes and participates in conducting routine technical and scientific inspections/evaluations at air monitoring sites for the Northern Region, Monitoring Operations Unit, Air Quality Planning Section, Air Pollution Control Division, Bureau of Air.
• Observes and participates in routine installation and collection of sample filters.
• Assists higher level staff in routine technical and scientific analysis and repair of air monitoring equipment.
• Participates and observes higher level staff in meetings, internal and external audits, and investigations into monitoring results requested by management.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties.

Benefits

• 37 ½  hour work week
• generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays)
• pension and other retirement benefits
• tuition reimbursement
• insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level