Environmental Protection Geologist I

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Bureau of Land field inspection unit is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Geologist I in the Northeast Region (Des Plaines office).  This position performs beginning-level duties relative to geologic investigations, with a primary emphasis on training and professional development leading to highly independent work and responsibilities ideally suited for a motivated self-starter.  Geologists in this position will initially accompany more experienced inspectors while gaining the training and skills necessary to advance and work independently. The geologist will ultimately conduct groundwater compliance evaluations at facilities with groundwater monitoring programs and conduct inspections at facilities that generate solid waste. We welcome all qualified geologists with an interest in diverse fieldwork to apply.

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). The work affords the individual opportunities to travel for site work and professional development while offering a healthy work-life balance. We invite all qualified candidates to apply. 

Essential Functions

• Receives instruction and guidance in routine reviews of groundwater monitoring plans and data for the Northern
  Region/Des Plaines Office, Bureau of Land, Field Operations Section (FOS);
• Receives training in assisting in interpreting and evaluating geologic, hydrogeologic, physical, and chemical data;
• Receives training and guidance in performing routine reviews of work plans, remedial action plans, and other
  submittals;
• Receives training and guidance in review of information for new sites or for revisions of existing site operations
  regarding geologic and hydrogeologic data;
• Attends, observes and participates in legal proceedings concerning findings of inspections and/or investigations;
• Performs other duties as assigned or required, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated
  above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years college with a degree in geology,

including at least one course in groundwater geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil physics, and/or soil chemistry.

• Requires no previous experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers elementary knowledge of natural geologic processes (methods), procedures, and techniques.
• Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
• Prefers ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Prefers ability to profit from training received in the area of geologic investigations.
• Prefers ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license & the ability to travel
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check
• Requires ability to participate in the medical monitoring program
• Requires ability to pass a physical examination, which is intended to determine whether a person can wear respiratory

protection and function in high heat stress situations while wearing chemical protective clothing

• Requires ability to wear a respirator or other form of respiratory protection
• Requires ability to carry and utilize a self-contained breathing apparatus (weighing approximately 25 pounds).
• Requires ability to wear chemical resistant clothing in high heat stress situations while performing strenuous physical tasks

(e.g. carrying equipment up a steep ravine at a temperature up to 100F)

• Requires ability to lift heavy equipment (e.g. 45 pounds)
• Requires ability of hiking, climbing, wading in streams or getting in/out of boats or swimming in emergency situations to get

to sites (as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120).

• This position will be required to complete (within 90 days of employment) and maintain working knowledge of (8-hour

annual refresher) and/or certification to ensure position is up to date with laws, rules and regulations to maintain compliance
with IL Department of Labor Occupational Safety Regulations: 40-hour OSHA training.

All conditions of employment listed 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: 9511 W Harrison Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016

Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256

Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Environmental & Natural Resources