ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST IV

State of Illinois•Champaign, IL

6d•$8,060 - $11,851•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Bureau of Water, Field Operations Section, Champaign Regional Office is hiring an Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Working Supervisor). The position supervises professional staff working on pollution control or abatement programs in field and office settings, and may provide consulting-agency personnel with guidance on complex problems or studies with program or policy impact. The specialist serves as the unit’s technical expert on hydrology-related issues and independently handles studies with significant unknowns that require advanced knowledge or experience. The role reviews technical and scientific information related to cases and provides technical assistance to staff inspectors, professional staff, and mine operators. The position directs technical inspections and investigations, supports enforcement, reviews complex scientific documents, and communicates Agency policies and water pollution control regulations to internal and external stakeholders. The job is based at the Champaign Regional Office and has an anticipated hybrid schedule of 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; the position has a 37.5-hour work week. Overtime, including evenings and weekends, may be required. The role requires a valid current driver’s license, travel that may include overnight stays, completion of 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment and annual refresher training, the ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and the ability to operate field water-testing and sampling equipment. A name-based background check is required. The position is subject to specified revolving-door restrictions relating to certain non-State employment offers during State employment or within one year after leaving State employment.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in physical, life, or environmental sciences, engineering, or geology.
Two years of supervisory experience in pollution abatement or a related field.
Two years of experience conducting inspections of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Two years of experience interpreting and applying State and federal laws and regulations governing water pollution control.
Two years of experience reviewing technical documents associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control permitting, facility plans and specifications, LTCPs, CMOM plans, wastewater operator contracts, and loan projects.
Valid and current appropriate driver’s license.
Ability to travel as required, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to complete required 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training within 90 days of employment and maintain working knowledge through an eight-hour annual refresher and/or applicable certification.
Ability to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, when requested or required.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and training to remain current on job-related methods, tools, and topics.
Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate field water-testing and sampling equipment.
Ability to pass a name-based background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or agricultural engineering.
At least three years of experience supervising professional staff in a public or private organization.
At least three years of experience reviewing technical documents associated with federal NPDES and State water pollution control permitting, facility plans and specifications, LTCPs, CMOM plans, wastewater operator contracts, and loan projects.
At least three years of experience conducting inspections or investigations and using the techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in investigating water pollution sources.
At least three years of engineering experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and permit requirements concerning water pollution control or abatement.
Ability to explain the process of enforcing laws, regulations, and permit requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
At least three years of engineering experience preparing comprehensive and timely reports of inspection findings.
At least three years of engineering experience analyzing and interpreting complex technical scientific data relating to facilities, installations, equipment, and water pollution control systems and processes.
At least three years of experience establishing and maintaining liaison with, and communicating inspection or investigation findings to, government officials, facility owners, operators, plant managers or their representatives, and the general public.
Ability to use a personal computer and software applications.

Responsibilities

Serves as working supervisor to Field Operations Section staff in the Bureau of Water, Water Pollution Control, Field Operations Section, Champaign Regional Office.
Directs highly technical site inspections and investigations, complaint and incident inspections, and special investigations.
Provides technical support for the enforcement process.
Reviews highly complex and technical scientific documents.
Conducts meetings and communicates with internal and external stakeholders.
Interprets and explains Agency policies and water pollution control regulations.
Performs other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.