Environmental Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Environmental Specialist jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in industrial compliance, remediation, and environmental consulting across manufacturing, energy, and municipal sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level field technician to senior program manager. The heaviest hiring is in Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria, where established employers like Exelon, Caterpillar, and AECOM maintain significant Illinois operations and regularly bring on environmental professionals. The most sought-after specialties in the state are hazardous waste management, Phase I and Phase II site assessments, and air quality permitting under Illinois EPA regulations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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 Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 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: 59158
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/18/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: ENV PROT SPECIALIST IV (13824)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060 monthly; Full Range $8,060 - $11,851 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 1 hr lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 2125 S 1st St, Champaign, Illinois, 61820
Work County: Champaign
Agency Contact: joseph.mercier@illinois.gov
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 59158
Environmental Protection Specialist IV
***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), Field Operation Section Champaign Regional Office is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Working Supervisor). This position will serve as a working supervisor of professional staff engaged in pollution control or pollution abatement programs in the field or office setting or serves as a staff member of consulting agency personnel on complex or difficult problems or studies which have program or policy impact. In this position, you would be the technical division expert on hydrology related issues within the unit. The successful candidate will have experience independently working on studies which have a number of unknowns and require advanced knowledge and/or experience to complete. As an EPS IV, you will be reviewing technical and scientific information regarding a particular case and providing technical assistance to staff inspectors, professional staff, and mine operators.
The benefits of working at the IEPA 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
- Serves as Working Supervisor to the Field Operations Section staff in the Bureau of Water, Water Pollution Control, Field Operations Section, Champaign Regional Office.
- Directs highly technical site inspections/investigations, complaint and incident inspections, and special investigations.
- Provides technical support for the enforcement process.
- Reviews highly complex and technical scientific documents.
- Conducts meetings and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. Interpreting and explaining Agency policies and water pollution control regulations.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within 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 sciences, engineering or geology.
- Requires two years supervisory experience in the field of pollution abatement or related field.
Specialized Skills:
- Of the two years’ experience required; requires two years’ experience in conducting inspections of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities and in interpreting and applying State and federal laws and regulations governing water pollution control; in the review of technical documents associated with federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State water pollution control permitting, facility plans and specifications, long term control plans (LTCP), Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) plans, wastewater operator contracts and loan projects.
Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)
- Prefers a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or agricultural engineering
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience in supervising a professional staff in a public or private organization.
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience in review of technical documents associated with federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State water pollution control permitting, facility plans and specifications, long term control plans (LTCP), Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) plans, wastewater operator contracts and loan projects.
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience in conducting inspections and/or investigations and the techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in conducting inspections and/or investigations of water pollution sources.
Preferred Qualifications (Continued)
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience of engineering experience interpreting and applying the laws, regulations, and permit requirements concerning water pollution control or abatement.
- Prefers the ability to explain the process of enforcing laws, regulations, and permit requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience of engineering experience, in preparing comprehensive and timely reports of inspection findings.
- Prefers at least (3) three years of engineering experience in analyzing and interpreting complex technical scientific data relating to facilities, installations, equipment, and water pollution control systems and processes.
- Prefers at least (3) three years of experience in establishing and maintaining liaison with and communicating inspection or investigation findings to government officials, facility owners, operators, plant managers, or their representatives and the general public.
- Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of software applications.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers’ license
- As required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, this position will be required to take (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: 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training.
- Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
- Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics to the job duties.
- Requires ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Requires the ability to operate field water testing and sampling equipment.
- Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
- 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.
Posting Group: Leadership & Management
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
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
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
See All 31 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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Find Environmental Specialist JobsEnvironmental Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Familiarity with Illinois EPA regulations and IEPA permit compliance requirements
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, geology, or a related field
- Experience conducting Phase I or Phase II environmental site assessments
- HAZWOPER 40-hour certification or willingness to complete training before start date
- Proficiency with GIS mapping software and environmental data management systems
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites across Illinois
Environmental Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental specialist in Illinois?
Most environmental specialist positions in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or a closely related field. The Illinois EPA does not issue a single statewide environmental specialist license, but many roles require or strongly prefer certifications such as HAZWOPER, and site remediation work may involve registration under the Illinois Site Remediation Program. Employers in regulated industries also value familiarity with IEPA permit processes and reporting requirements from the start.
How much do environmental specialists make in Illinois?
Environmental specialists in Illinois earn a median of about $81,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,540 for the lowest 10% to over $153,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring environmental specialists in Illinois right now include Memorial Health, University of Illinois, and DuPage County Health Department, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of heavy manufacturing, utility infrastructure, and brownfield redevelopment projects keeps demand for environmental specialists steady across both the private sector and government contractors.
Which Illinois cities have the most environmental specialist jobs?
The Illinois cities with the most environmental specialist openings are Chicago, Elgin, and Urbana. Chicago leads because it is home to major consulting firms, utility companies, and a large stock of industrial and brownfield sites requiring ongoing remediation, while Rockford and Peoria reflect the strong manufacturing base that generates consistent compliance and permitting work in those metro areas.
Are there remote environmental specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. Environmental specialist work is largely field-based, involving site visits, sampling, and on-site compliance inspections that cannot be done remotely. About 43% of environmental specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in data analysis, report writing, and regulatory review roles rather than fieldwork.
How can I get hired as a environmental specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an environmental technician or field sampler role, which Illinois consulting firms and remediation contractors use to bring on candidates without extensive experience. Large Illinois employers like environmental engineering firms operating out of Chicago frequently hire recent graduates for field support positions. Completing a HAZWOPER 40-hour certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in chemistry lab work, geology field tech, or municipal public works are also common routes into specialist positions.
Where can I find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Illinois employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 31 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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