Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Division of Water Pollution Control (WPC), Permit Section, Industrial Unit, 401/Mines Subunit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer 1. The ideal candidate will perform a variety of closely supervised functions that are designed to provide a basic introduction to, and training in the explicit engineering programs of the unit. The ideal candidate will also assist a higher-level engineer in the investigation of the design, location, construction, maintenance, or inspection of subsystems of public and private facilities relating to water pollution and public water supply.

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.

Job Responsibilities

40% 1. Gain knowledge and training by working with higher level staff in performance of a variety of routine engineering functions as necessary to support non-municipal wastewater permitting programs for the Industrial Unit, 401/Mines Sub-Unit, Permit Section, Division of Water Pollution Control, Bureau of Water;

• Assists higher level staff in the timely review of routine National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit applications for mining, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) facilities and related storm water discharges
• Preparing routine draft permits for signature
• Analyzing permit application material including field reports, discharge monitoring reports, results of studies such as receiving stream evaluations, and other available data
• Analyzing regulated manufacturing processes, mining operations and livestock operations
• Reviewing and applying applicable State and Federal regulations
• Following applicable Unit and Section policies and procedures for the issuance of permits with appropriate conditions
• Coordinating permit process workflow with Agency support staff
• Utilizing available computer programs to draft permits, review notes, and track work progress
• Drafting response letters to comments received, response summaries, and other correspondence
• Compiling a complete and accurate record of the permit decision process

(Job Responsibilities continued)

40% 2. Review state construction and operating permit applications, with the assistance of higher-level staff, for routine wastewater sources, and non-discharging mining facilities;

• Preparing draft permits for signature
• Reviewing of Section 401 water quality certifications related to Lake Michigan determinations and agricultural chemical facility endorsements
• Analyzing permit applications, engineering plans, specifications, file material, regulated manufacturing and related processes
• Reviewing and applying applicable State and Federal regulations
• Following applicable Unit and Section policies and procedures for the issuance of permits with appropriate conditions
• Utilizing available computer programs to prepare permits, review notes, and track work progress
• Preparing written review notes in compilation of Agency decision record

10% 3. Observes higher level staff by participating in meetings, public hearings, and/or discussions with applicants, consulting engineers, other Agency staff, USEPA staff, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, other State and Federal Agencies or the public;

• Participates and observes public hearings, completion of responsiveness summaries, permit appeals, and enforcement actions
• Travels in performance of duties

(Job Responsibilities continued)

05% 4. Conducts reviews of applications for property tax certification of pollution control facilities;

• Reviews applications for tax certification of industrial and/or agricultural pollution control facilities
• Drafts tax certification recommendation for Division of Legal Counsel
• Participate in professional development trainings
• Tracks work assignments to ensure timely completion of assigned duties to meet Agency goals and commitments

05% 5. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with a bachelor's degree in an engineering science. Typically, the subject matter would involve the type of coursework associated with environmental (sanitary, hydraulic, hydrology, and air pollution specialties), civil (sanitary, hydraulic, and hydrology specialties), general, industrial, mechanical, chemical, public health, electronic, acoustical or aeronautical engineering or engineering mechanics or a closely related engineering specialty.
• Requires no previous experience.
• This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.
• Prefers ability to prepare complete and accurate permits, correspondence, and engineering review notes.
• Prefers ability to establish and maintain oral communication and working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant managers or their representatives, other State and Federal Agencies and the public.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.