ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GEOLOGIST I

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land, Deputy Bureau Chief/Land Pollution Control, Field Operations Section, Central Region/Champaign Office Environmental Protection Geologist I. This position will perform beginning level duties relative to geologic investigations, and with primary emphasis on training and professional development leading to highly independent work and responsibilities ideally suited for a motivated self-starter. In addition, this position will observe and participate in field investigations with other geologists, engineers, and scientists from not only the Illinois EPA, but also other state and federal agencies and responsible parties concerning projects related to the Federal Site Remediation Program.

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

40% 1. Receives instruction and guidance in routine reviews of groundwater monitoring plans and data for the Central Region/Champaign Office, Bureau of Land, Field Operations Section (FOS;

• Performs routine evaluations relative to geologic and hydrogeologic factors
• Investigations and inspections of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal facilities and remediation sites to evaluate operations with an emphasis on potential negative impacts to groundwater
• Collects groundwater, soil, and waste samples to substantiate violations and/or determine the extent of contamination
• Reviews and evaluates laboratory results
• Consult with facility owners and landfill operators regarding observed problems and assists with compliance issues
• Conducts thorough reviews of the regulated sites’ activities
• Determines regulated status
• Checks for compliance with the appropriate regulations
• Reviews project work to ensure work performed is in accordance to specifications, site safety plans, budget, and environmental goals contained in work plans
• Conducts activities that utilize safety equipment and performs rigorous physical activity to meet safety standards to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.
• Travels in performance of duties

Essential Function (Continued)

30% 2. Receives training in assisting in interpreting and evaluating geologic, hydrogeologic, physical, and chemical data;

• Maintains and updates an accurate log of analytical results

• Prepares routine reports to document the results of investigations, inspections, sampling, and oversight monitoring.
• Utilizes a personal computer and GIS programs for preparing reports, electronic communication, and database entry.

10% 3. Receives training and guidance in performing routine reviews of work plans, remedial action plans, and other submittals;

• Consults with higher level staff regarding conclusions that lead to recommendations for enforcement actions, approval or denial of proposed and/or completed cleanup activities, approval or denial of permits and/or variances, and development of new or revised pollution control standards.
• Assists in conducting routine scientific field inspections/investigations of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal sites and remediation sites to determine regulated status and whether the site is in compliance with laws and regulations, as assigned.

Essential Function (Continued)

10% 4. Receives training and guidance in review of information for new sites or for revisions of existing site operations regarding geologic and hydrogeologic data;

• Receives on-going training on relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the technical programs involved with field operation activities
• Assists with team projects
• Attends meetings and seminars.

05% 5. Attends, observes and participates in legal proceedings concerning findings of inspections and/or investigations;

• Corresponds with other State agencies, county health departments and local government units.
• Responds to routine public inquiries and assists with education concerning protection of groundwater resources.
• Attends meetings, webinars and other training events to improve skills.

05% 6. 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 (In Order of Significance)

• 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

1. Requires a valid driver’s license.

2. Requires the ability to travel.

3. Requires ability to participate in the medical monitoring program.

4. 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.

5. Requires ability to wear a respirator or other form of respiratory protection.

6. Requires ability to carry and utilize a self-contained breathing apparatus (weighing approximately 25 pounds).

7. 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).

8. Requires ability to lift heavy equipment (e.g. 45 pounds).

9. 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).

10. 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.

11. Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.