ENV PROT ENGINEER I

Illinoiscomptroller; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Insurance on day one

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in Des Plaines is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer 1. This entry-level role provides training in NPDES and state permit applications, working under supervision with municipal wastewater projects and related facilities.

The position offers a 37.5-hour week, pension, tuition reimbursement, and benefits starting day one. A hybrid schedule is available, with in-office days 4–5 per week depending on needs.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in an engineering science or closely related field.
• Preferred knowledge of wastewater pollution and related laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assists higher-level staff to gain knowledge in routine engineering functions for municipal wastewater permitting programs.
• Assists in the review of State construction and operating permit applications for routine municipal facilities.
• Participates in meetings, public hearings, and discussions with applicants, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintains records related to permit programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of duties.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Word

Excel

Access

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 58660
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 09/23/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENV PROT ENGINEER I (13791)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,540 monthly; Full Range $6,540 - $7,480 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 1 hr lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 9511 Harrison St, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016
Work County: Cook

Phone #: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person that calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Permit, Municipal C Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer 1. This position performs a variety of closely supervised functions that are designed to provide a basic introduction to, and training related to, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State construction and operating permit applications for the Permit Municipal Unit. The ideal candidate will assist a higher-level engineer working with municipal, consulting, construction engineering, and technical personnel in the design, construction, location, maintenance, and operation or improvement of water pollution control facilities in the Permit Municipal Unit.

The benefits of working at the IEPA 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.

Essential Functions

• Assists higher-level staff to gain knowledge and training in performing a variety of routine engineering functions as
  necessary to support municipal wastewater permitting programs in the Municipal Unit C, Permit Section, Division of
  Water Pollution Control, Bureau of Water;
• Assists higher level staff in the timely review of State construction and operating permit applications for routine
  municipal treatment facilities, sanitary sewers, force mains, lift stations, land application of sludge, and spray
  irrigation of municipal wastewaters;
• Participates and observes higher level staff in meetings, public hearings, and/or discussions with applicants,
  consulting engineers, other Agency staff, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) staff, other State
  and Federal Agencies or the public;
• Maintains records related to permit programs;
• 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.
• This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers knowledge of wastewater pollution and best management practices.
• Prefers knowledge of State and federal laws, rules and regulations related to wastewater discharges.
• Prefers ability to establish and maintain working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant
  managers, or their representatives and the public.
• Prefers the ability to review comprehensive, technical, and scientific reports.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.

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.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the
  employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately
  after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office
  of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Revolving Door: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”), and seek a revolving door determination from the OEIG, or may be subject to a fine.

Agency Statement: The mission of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State of Illinois, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. IEPA works to safeguard the states natural resources from pollution to provide a healthy environment for its citizens. By partnering with businesses, local governments and citizens, IEPA is dedicated to continued protection of the air we breathe and our water and land resources.