EXECUTIVE I (Environmental Justice Program Coordinator)

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 68.000 - 98.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency seeks a Spanish-speaking Environmental Justice Program Coordinator in Chicago. You will bridge technical programs with residents, expand public participation, and support language access in environmental decision-making.

Ideal candidates bring EJ or community-focused experience and knowledge of environmental compliance. The role offers a hybrid schedule, competitive state benefits, and opportunities for growth within IEPA.

Qualifikationen

• Requires completion of four years of college (business/public administration preferred).
• Requires proficiency translating English–Spanish in writing and speaking.
• Requires written and verbal fluency in Spanish (Option SS).

Aufgaben

• Develops and implements EJ enforcement strategy and public participation plans.
• Oversees Language Access Plan including translation/interpretation.
• Administers Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program.
• Supports EJ Commission operations and related duties as needed.

Kenntnisse

Spanish translation

Public engagement

Bilingual in Spanish/English

Ausbildung

Four-year college degree

Tools

Mapping tools

Data tracking tools

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EXECUTIVE I (Environmental Justice Program Coordinator)

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:59421
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title:EXECUTIVE I - 13851
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 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: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
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.

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 (IEPA) is seeking a Spanish-speaking Environmental Justice (EJ) Program Coordinator to join our team in Chicago. This role plays a vital part in strengthening community engagement by serving as a bridge between IEPA’s technical programs and residents in areas of environmental justice concern. The coordinator will help expand public participation, improve language access, and support meaningful community involvement in environmental decision‑making. The position also leads efforts to develop and promote Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs), which allow regulated entities to invest in community‑benefiting projects when resolving enforcement actions. Ideal candidates will bring experience in environmental justice, social justice, or community‑focused work, along with familiarity in environmental compliance or enforcement activities.

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

• Under direction, serves as the Program Coordinator for the Office of Environmental Justice's (OEJ) policy implementation function, organizes, plans, executes, controls, and evaluates implementation of the Illinois Environmental Justice (EJ) Enforcement Strategy, Enhanced Public Participation Plan, and other Agency EJ policies and initiatives to align program operations on an intra‑agency basis.
• Implements, plans, and evaluates the Illinois EPA Language Access Plan, including Spanish translation and interpretation of non‑confidential, publicly available information.
• Organizes, plans, and administers the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program.
• Plans, organizes, and administers operational functions, on behalf of the EJ Officer, for the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice (EJ Commission).
• 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, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
• Requires one year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency approved professional management training program.
• Requires proficiency in translating written documents from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
• Requires proficiency in verbal interpretation between Spanish to English and English to Spanish.
• Requires written and verbal fluency in the Spanish language (Option SS).

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least one year of experience working with environmental justice programs, community engagement initiatives, or public‑facing environmental programs.
• Prefers at least one year of experience responding to public inquiries related to environmental, community, or regulatory issues.
• Prefers at least one year of experience cultivating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with community groups, advocacy organizations, regulated entities, or governmental partners.
• Prefers at least one year of experience developing, monitoring, or evaluating program goals, performance metrics, or compliance activities.
• Prefers experience developing, maintaining, or using mapping or data tracking tools for environmental, community, or regulatory programs.
• Prefers experience implementing or supporting language access initiatives or working with communities whose preferred language is Spanish.
• Prefers experience developing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including community groups, industry representatives, advocacy groups, or governmental agencies.
• Prefers experience with environmental governance and regulatory structures at the state and federal level.

Specialized Skills (Used for certain BU Employees only)

• Requires at least one year of work experience with environmental justice programs, community engagement initiatives, or public‑facing environmental programs.
• Requires at least one year of experience responding to public inquiries related to environmental, community, or regulatory issues.
• Requires at least one year of experience cultivating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with community groups, advocacy organizations, regulated entities, or governmental partners.
• Requires at least one year of experience developing, monitoring, or evaluating program goals, performance metrics, or compliance activities.

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.

*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.