SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR OPT. 4 (BUREAU OF AIR, PERMIT SECTION MANAGER)

Illinois Comptroller; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 1,620,000 - 1,808,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency seeks a Senior Public Service Administrator OPT. 4 to lead the Bureau of Air Permit Section in Springfield, overseeing a large technical staff and coordinating with the EPA, industry, and public stakeholders.

A four-year college degree and several years of administrative experience are required; managerial experience is preferred. This salaried, full-time role emphasizes leadership, policy implementation, and robust communication skills to ensure

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year college degree.
• Requires four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in air pollution control permitting.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Permit Section, overseeing a large engineering/technical staff.
• Develops and implements engineering procedures and guidelines for permitting.
• Ensures CAAPP permits are reviewed and issued within deadlines; coordinates with EPA and industry.
• Interacts with environmental groups, governmental bodies, and the public on statewide air programs.
• Performs other duties within scope of the section responsibilities.

Skills

Section management

Leadership

Communication

Permitting knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR OPT. 4 (BUREAU OF AIR, PERMIT SECTION MANAGER)

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: 58877
Opening Date: 09/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title:SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option:Physical Sciences/Environment
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $12,100-$13,500.00 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: 8:30-5:00 Mon-Fri 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: 2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704
Work County: Sangamon

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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.

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.

Position Overview

The Bureau of Air is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the Section Manager for the Bureau of Air Permit Section located in Springfield, Illinois. The selected candidate will possess experience in writing, reviewing, and issuing permits for air emission sources and air pollution control equipment. The candidate will also possess significant experience in managing permit writers and permitting process. The candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills and be willing and able to oversee a large staff of technical professionals and to frequently interact with and respond to the demands of that staff, other Sections of the Bureau, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), regulated industry, public interest groups, and the Bureau Chief among others.

The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 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 applicants to apply.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Section Manager, in planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Permit Section comprised of a large engineering and technical staff engaged in the review and issuance or denial of permit applications for pollution control devices and construction/operation of new and/or existing facilities including under the Clean Air Act Permit Program (CAAPP) as required by Title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments;
• Plans, develops, and implements in-depth engineering procedures, guidelines, and operational tools to be utilized by the Section staff.
• Develops and implements specific State programs which involve stringent restrictions imposed by both State and Federal regulations (e.g., programs for satisfying the Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements of the Clean Air Act, New Source Review, Clean Air Act permitting program, and permit fee system).
• Develops streamlined processes for executing expedited permit review agreements between the Agency Director and companies requesting expedited permit review and to ensure that expedited permits are assigned, and overtime is received fairly across each permitting unit. Tracks progress and ensure permits are issued within the agreed upon deadlines.
• Consults with environmental groups, governmental bodies, industry, and public concerning the Statewide Air Pollution Control permit program
• Consults with other Division/Agency staff to ensure coordinated efforts for all programs related to air pollution control standards, rules and regulations relevant to legislative initiatives, Pollution Control Board rulemaking and Agency rulemaking proceedings.
• 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 (4) years of college.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the field of air pollution control permitting.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least (4) four years’ managerial experience in the field of permit writing, review, and issuance relating to air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• At least (4) four years’ experience in writing, reviewing, and issuing permits for air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• At least (4) four years’ experience in applying state and federal laws and regulations pertinent to permitting of air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• At least (4) four years’ experience in developing, analyzing, interpreting, and implementing programs and policies related to permitting of air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• At least (4) four years’ experience in communicating with all levels of an organization, both internal and external.
• At least (4) four years’ experience in preparing and presenting comprehensive reports, memos, correspondence, etc. in a clear and concise manner.
• Prefers possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physical Science, Environmental Science, or Engineering.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to work at various times outside of normal office hours to meet deadlines.
• Requires ability to travel.
• Requires a valid and current driver’s license.
• Requires ability to pass a background check.
• Requires ability to perform repetitive motion associated with keyboarding.
• Requires ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in Section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• 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.

Agency Mission: 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 state’s 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.

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”) or may be subject to a fine.

Term Appointment: Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s discretion.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: