SPSA, OPT 4 (BUREAU OF AIR, CLEAN AIR ACT PROGRAM (CAAPP) CONTRUCTION UNIT MANAGER)

RiseMe; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Insurance on day one

Pension and retirement benefits

Job summary

The Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield, Illinois is seeking a qualified Unit Manager for the CAAPP Construction Unit. You will oversee a large staff of engineers and technicians responsible for reviewing and issuing permits for air emission sources and pollution control equipment.

Requirements include four years of college and four years of experience in air pollution control permitting, plus strong leadership, communication, and regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college and four years of experience in air pollution control permitting.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Experience writing, reviewing, and issuing CAAPP permits preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the CAAPPConstruction Unit staff and permit decisions.
• Develop procedures and tools for streamlined permitting processes.
• Coordinate with EPA, industry, and public groups on permit programs.
• Ensure deadlines are met for permit reviews and approvals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Permit writing

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Science / Environmental Science / Engineering

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58878

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 $11,000.00 - $12,600.00 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

Agency Contact: Kathy Taylor

Email: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

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 Unit Manager for the CAAPP Construction Unit, Bureau of Air 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 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).

Essential Functions

• Serves as Unit Manager, in planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the staff of the CAAPPConstruction Unit, comprised of a large engineering and technical staff engaged in the review and issuance or denialof 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 ActAmendments.
• 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 withing the agreedupon 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 pollutioncontrol standards, rules and regulations relevant to legislative initiatives, Pollution Control Board rulemaking andAgency 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 experience in the field of air pollution control permitting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least (4) four years’ experience in writing, reviewing, and issuing permits for air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• Prefers 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.
• Prefers at least (2) two years’ managerial experience in the field of permit writing, review, and issuance relating to air emission sources and air pollution control equipment.
• Prefers 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.
• Prefers at least (4) four years’ experience in communicating with all levels of an organization, both internal and external.
• Prefers 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.
• 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.