ENV PROT SPECIALIST IV - Working Supervisor/Technical Expert

Illinoiscomptroller; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in Des Plaines seeks an Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Working Supervisor/Technical Expert). You will supervise a small professional/technical team handling complex water pollution control permitting and act as a technical expert for difficult projects.

The role requires strong knowledge of environmental permitting, regulatory interpretation, and collaboration with agency staff and external partners.

Qualifications

• Requires completion of four years college with coursework in physical, life, environmental sciences, engineering, or geology.
• Requires four years of professional experience in environmental protection or a related field.
• Experience reviewing NPDES permits and applying related laws is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the engineering staff in the Des Plaines Municipal Unit, Permit Section, Division of Water Pollution Control.
• Review facility plans, municipal construction, and permit applications for complex wastewater facilities.
• Represent the Bureau before the Illinois Pollution Control Board in regulatory relief proceedings.
• Provide guidance to staff and consultants on highly complex issues.
• Prepare and review documents for submission to Bureau management and other officials.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the job as assigned.

Skills

NPDES permits

Regulatory compliance

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Job description

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ENV PROT SPECIALIST IV - Working Supervisor/Technical Expert

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:58490
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title:ENV PROT SPECIALIST IV (13824)
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060 monthly; Full Range $8,060 - $11,851 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 1 hr lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location:Des Plaines - 9511 Harrison St
Work County:Cook
Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: [e-mail]
Phone #: [phone]

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

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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 who 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), Division of Water Pollution Control (WPC), Permit Section, Municipal Unit C, is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Working Supervisor/Technical Expert). This position will supervise the unit of professional and/or technical staff (approx. 3-5) engaged in water pollution control permitting in the office. Serves as a technical expert by consulting agency personnel on highly complex or difficult problems or studies.

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.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as designated Working Supervisor/Technical Expert to the engineering staff in the
  Des Plaines Municipal Unit, Permit Section, Division of Water Pollution Control, Bureau of Water (BOW).
• Conducts timely reviews of facility plans, municipal construction and operating permit applications, and National
  Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit applications for highly complex municipal wastewater
  facilities consistent with all State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Represents the BOW in rulemaking and regulatory relief proceedings before the Illinois Pollution Control Board
  (IPCB).
• Provides assistance/guidance to Agency Staff/officials/consultants regarding highly complex, sensitive, and
  controversial issues.
• Prepares/reviews documents for submission to Bureau management and other governmental officials.
• 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 the completion of four years college with coursework in
  physical, life, or environmental sciences, engineering, or geology.
• Requires four years of professional experience in the field of environmental protection or a related field.

Specialized Skills (Used for certain BU Employees only)

• Requires four years’ experience in reviewing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit applications
  and writing NPDES permits for water pollution control facilities.
• Requires four years’ experience in applying relevant State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience interpreting and applying relevant laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to
  issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for municipal wastewater sources.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience explaining and interpreting environmental permitting laws, policy, and
  regulations in a public or private organization.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience preparing, reviewing, or approving construction/operating permits for sewers,
  sewage treatment plants, land application of biosolids, and/or spray irrigation of municipal wastewater.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience consulting with and advising members of public and private organizations
  concerning the application of engineering standards and procedures to design, construction, operation and maintenance of
  facilities and systems for the treatment and discharge of municipal wastewater or domestic sewage.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience developing and maintaining effective public working relationships.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience supervising the activities of a technical staff in a private or public organization.
• Prefers experience utilizing 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"), and seek a revolving door determination
  from the OEIG, or may be subject to a fine.

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

This position [DOES] 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.