Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 50802 
Closing Date: 10/28/2025
​Agency:  Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPEC I - 13821 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,954 monthly; Full Range $4,954 - $6,894 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:  

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the  illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the  SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Environmental Protection Specialist I Req# 50802

(Job Assignment Only: Targeted title for Life Sciences Career Trainee Bid Req# 50800)

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

***Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. ***

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

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 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Surface Water Section, Algal Bloom Coordination Unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I. The Algal Bloom Coordination Unit, coordinates monitoring, response, and communication to reported and observed algal blooms with Agency staff and outside entities to inform and assess potential environmental impacts. This position assists and participates in routine duties related to the Surface Water Section. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience including application of the scientific method, statistical analysis of data and interpretation, techniques for scientific writing and presenting, and field water quality data collection techniques. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have knowledge of limnological principles; physical, chemical, and biological survey methodologies; remote sensing and modeling.

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). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Performs beginning level technical and scientific duties related to conducting monitoring and assessment activities as required by the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) to support the Algal Bloom Coordination (ABC) Unit and Surface Water Section, in the Division of Water Pollution Control/Bureau of Water.
• Conducts algal bloom response activities to support the Bureau of Water.
• Participates and conducts data management, interpretation and statistical manipulation activities using various computer-related systems and applications.
• Presents a positive public image on behalf of the Agency, providing effective oral communication and presentation of technical data to a wide range of audiences (e.g., State Lake Association Conference, public speaking requests).
• Performs other duties as required of assigned, which are reasonable with the scope of duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years college with coursework in physical, life, or environmental science.
• Requires one year of professional experience in pollution abatement or a related field or completion of an agency approved training program.
• OR requires a master's degree with coursework in the physical, life or environmental sciences.

 

Specialized Skills

Of the one (1) year of required experience:

• Requires at least one (1) year of professional experience in Algal Bloom program design and implementation; responding, sampling, and reporting algal blooms; surface water monitoring program design and field sampling techniques.
• Requires at least one (1) year of professional experience in investigating, analyzing, and interpreting chemical, physical, and biological data to assess the resource quality of surface waters and providing interpretations and reporting.
• Requires at least one year of professional experience in the practical application of the Federal Clean Water Act and its amendments.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience in Algal Bloom program design and implementation; responding, sampling, and reporting algal blooms; surface water monitoring program design and field sampling techniques.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience in investigating, analyzing, and interpreting chemical, physical, and biological data to assess the resource quality of surface waters and providing interpretations and reporting.
• Prefers at least (1) one year of professional experience in the practical application of the Federal Clean Water Act and its amendments.
• Prefers Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic), with specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in limnology, stream, or aquatic ecology, or closely related environmental science.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience interpreting limnological and stream ecology principals, including relationships among algae blooms, nutrients, and various water chemistry parameters.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience in identifying algae to genus level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year experience conducting field work and operating under a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience in utilizing a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access, Excel, GIS, and statistical analysis packages.
• Prefers at least one (1) years’ experience acting as a liaison with other local, state, and federal entities involved with water-resource monitoring.
• Prefers knowledge and experience in utilizing the following computer programs: Survey 123, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Water Quality Exchange (WQX) Network, Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System, and Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Loads Tracking and Implementation System (ATTAINS) .

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to swim, to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires the ability to operate small watercraft (e.g., canoes, boats with outboard motors weighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples.
• 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.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
• * The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

  Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: 2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704
Agency Contact: Joe Mercier
Email: joseph. mercier@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-2361
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

 

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.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

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:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Traineeship, H1b, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours,

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