ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENGINEER I (UMP)

Illinoiscomptroller; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), based in Des Plaines, seeks an Environmental Protection Engineer I. The role supports routine reviews, emission monitoring, and permit condition development in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

The incumbent will assist in on-site investigations, training, and compliance activities, with a strong emphasis on communication and teamwork across internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college with a bachelor's degree in engineering science.
• Upward Mobility Program credential title is included.
• Valid driver's license and travel ability required.
• Conditions of employment include background checks and compliance with state qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Assists higher level engineers in routine engineering reviews to gain knowledge in source emissions testing and monitoring.
• Assists in routine on-site facility engineering investigations and evaluations related to emission control and monitoring.
• Provides engineering/technical assistance to Permit, Compliance and Legal staff in development of permit conditions and regulatory actions.
• Observes and participates in compliance conferences between Agency and industry to address non-compliance.
• Assists in preparation and presentation of visible emission reading training (smoke school) for personnel.
• Performs other duties as required within scope.

Skills

Organized

Detail-oriented

Adaptable

Collaborative

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENGINEER I (UMP)

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:59147
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026
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: 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: 9511 W Harrison St, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016
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.

Note: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must verify and have proof of higher education and coursework (if applicable) for any degree earned before any offer can be extended.

Sponsorship for Employment

Sponsorship for Employment

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 Air (BOA), Compliance Section, Source Monitoring unit, Des Plaines Regional office 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 in the explicit engineering programs for the Compliance Section, Source Monitoring unit, Des Plaines Regional office. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, and 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 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 engineers in routine engineering reviews to gain knowledge in source emissions testing and monitoring for Bureau of Air (BOA), Air Pollution Control (APC), Compliance.
• Assists higher level engineers in routine on-site facility engineering investigations and evaluations related to emission control and monitoring.
• Assists higher level engineers in routine facility engineering investigations and evaluations related to emission control and monitoring.
• Provides engineering/technical assistance to Permit, Compliance and Legal staff in the development of permit conditions and regulatory and enforcement actions involving air emission controls and measurement.
• Observes and participates in compliance conferences, including the violation notice and enforcement process, between Agency and industry, to address non-compliance relating to stack testing and other issues involving atmospheric emissions and procedures to monitor those emissions.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of visible emission reading training (smoke school) twice yearly for personnel from the agency, local governments, and industry; includes set-up and operation of equipment instruction in proper procedures, and grading of test papers.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably 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 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 the ability to prepare technical engineering reports.
• Prefers the ability to make mathematical computations and calculations involving the application of standard theory.
• Prefers the ability to independently conduct routine engineering investigations and assist higher level engineering personnel in making complex or difficult investigations.
• Prefers the ability to conduct personal interviews concerning routine problems with a wide variety of representatives of the general public.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel software.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers' license.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• 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 the ability to climb ladders, stairs, catwalks, scaffolding and smokestacks 75 feet or more in height.
• 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 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).

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.