VEHICLE COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR - JACKSON COUNTY - CARBONDALE

State of Illinois; Carbondale (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental

Pension Plan

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

The State of Illinois is seeking a Vehicle Compliance Inspector within the Department of Transportation. You will perform inspections of school buses and testing stations, certify testers, and investigate safety concerns across the state.

The role requires knowledge of safety regulations, the ability to document findings, and occasional travel. The position is unionized with a hybrid office schedule and comprehensive state benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications require high school or equivalent plus related experience or technical training.
• Prefer experience applying vehicle safety standards and compliance investigations.
• Ability to travel and work irregular hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nonscheduled inspections of school buses, religious organization buses, and charitable vehicles.
• Inspect Official Testing Stations, Mobile Safety Testing Companies, and Portable Emission Testing Companies.
• Certify safety testers at testing stations and companies.
• Prepare reports and present evidence at administrative hearings.
• Perform other duties within scope as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma + 2 years in law enforcement, compliance, or related employment

Two years college/technical school in law enforcement, automotive tech, diesel emissions, or vehicle safety inspections

High school diploma + 2 years in diesel/school bus mechanics or diesel emissions

Job description

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 to 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:59582 IPR#26-01785
Opening Date:10/14/2026

Closing Date:10/28/2026
Agency:Department of Transportation
Position Title: Vehicle Compliance Inspector
Salary:Anticipated Starting Salary $5,815 Monthly; Full Range: $5,815-$8,059 Monthly
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC029

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Work Office: Office of Finance & Administration/Bureau of Investigations & Compliance

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Vehicle Compliance Inspector. Under the direction of the Vehicle Testing and Compliance Inspection Manager, performs nonscheduled inspections, investigations, and enforcement functions relative to the licensing, regulation, and operation of Official Testing Stations, Official Mobile Safety Testing Companies, Official Portable Emission Testing Companies throughout the state. Investigates complaints and initiates corrective action concerning safety issues relative to the operation of school buses, religious organization buses, and buses registered as charitable vehicles. Maintains a thorough knowledge of all applicable Illinois and federal safety regulations in the performance of vehicle and testing station investigation and inspection duties.

Essential Functions

• Under direction, serves as a Vehicle Compliance Inspector for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Initiates and conducts random nonscheduled inspections of school buses, religious organization buses, and buses registered as charitable vehicles.
• Conducts nonscheduled inspections of Official Testing Stations, Official Mobile Safety Testing Companies, and Official Portable Emission Testing Companies.
• Certifies all safety testers employed at Official Testing Stations, Official Mobile Safety Testing Companies, and Official Portable Emission Testing Companies.
• Initiates follow-up investigations when vehicles inspected are found to be substandard and carry a recently issued Certificate of Safety.
• Prepares comprehensive written reports and presents oral testimony and evidence at administrative hearings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties stated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge and skill and mental development equivalent to either:
  • a) Completion of four years high school plus two years of experience in law enforcement, compliance, or regulation related employment OR
  • b) Completion of two years college/technical school in law enforcement, automotive technology, diesel emissions, or vehicle safety inspections OR
  • c) Completion of four years of high school plus two years of experience in diesel or school bus mechanics, diesel emissions, or vehicle safety inspections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers one (1) year of experience applying commercial motor vehicle components related to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Program.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience investigating compliance related to enforcement to include interviewing people, reviewing and analyzing documents and records, and writing reports.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience presenting testimony and evidence at administrative hearings.
• Prefers demonstrated ability to communicate in such a way that positive public relations are maintained with coworkers, station owners and other persons contacted during duty hours.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Ability to work irregular hours when necessary.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with occasional overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• 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.

About the Agency

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

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