Environmental Protection Engineer I (Spanish Speaking)

Date:  Feb 27, 2025

Location: 

Des Plaines, IL, US, 60016

Job Requisition ID:  45181

Job Requisition ID: 45181 
Closing Date/Time: 03/17/2025
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENG I - 13791 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: Spanish 
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,079 monthly; Full Range $6,079 - $6,952 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Plan/BU: RC063

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.

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

Posting Identification Number  45181

Environmental Protection Engineer I  Opt. SP (Spanish Speaking) (UMP)

***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. 

*Answer all questions thoroughly-DO NOT STATE SEE RESUME*

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), Field Operation Section, Des Plaines Regional Office is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer I Opt. SP (Spanish Speaking).  This position performs a variety of closely supervised functions that are designed to provide a basic introduction to, and training in the explicit engineering programs for the Field Operation Section Des Plaines Regional Office.  The ideal candidate will assist a higher-level engineer in the investigation of the design, location, construction, maintenance, or inspection of subsystems of public and private facilities relating to Field Operations Section.

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

•  Assists higher level field staff in conducting inspections and sampling surveys of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities; MS4, industrial, and construction storm water facilities, livestock facilities and agrichemical facilities for the Des Plaines Regional Office, Field Operation Section (FOS) in the Division of Water Pollution Control, Bureau of Water.
•  Assists higher level field staff in investigating/evaluating citizen complaints and emergency response incidents of water pollution, sewage and livestock waste odors, and fish kills.
•  Assists higher level field staff in providing technical support for the enforcement process.
•  Assists higher level field staff in reviewing technical documents associated with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State operating permits, facility plans and specifications, Long Term Control Plans (LTCP), Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) plans.
• Participates in and observes higher level field staff in conducting meetings and communicating with facility owners and operators, local officials, or concerned citizens; Interpreting and explaining Agency policies and water pollution control regulations.
• 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 years of college with a bachelor's degree in an engineering science. Typically, the subject matter would involve the type of coursework associated with environmental (sanitary, hydraulic, hydrology, and air pollution specialties), civil (sanitary, hydraulic, and hydrology specialties), general, industrial, mechanical, chemical, public health, electronic, acoustical or aeronautical engineering or engineering mechanics or a closely related engineering specialty.
• Requires the ability to communicate verbally and written in Spanish at a colloquial level with Spanish-speaking clients.
• Requires no previous experience.
• This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers the ability to prepare clear and concise written reports and correspondence, good organizational skills and decision-making abilities
• Prefers the ability to establish and maintain oral communication and working relationships with municipal officials, facility operators and owners, plant managers, or their representatives.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access   software.
• Prefers a bachelor’s degree in agricultural or civil engineering.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires ability to lift heavy sampling equipment (e.g. 50 pounds)
• Requires the ability to operate field water testing equipment and to collect water samples.
• Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check. 

Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: Des Plaines - 9511 W Harrison Street 
Agency Contact: Joe Mercier
Email: Joseph.Mercier@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-2361
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics