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Environmental Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Full-Time Environmental Operator Tech - Chicago, IL (Temp-to-hire position) Our client, a leading ... protection limits. · Clean and maintain the water treatment area, outside yard, baghouses ...

Under supervision, performs fully functional environmental engineering work, enforcing federal, state, and municipal environmental protection laws, and performs related duties as required . The two ...

Environmental Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-Time Environmental Operator Tech - Chicago, IL (Temp-to-hire position) Our client, a leading ... protection limits. · Clean and maintain the water treatment area, outside yard, baghouses ...

Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws/regulations (required) * Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills * Excellent ...

Why PROtect? At PROtect, you'll work alongside experienced environmental professionals supporting some of the nation's largest industrial facilities. We invest heavily in employee development and ...

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Environmental Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$94.2K

$142.2K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in Chicago, IL is $94,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental protection?

Environmental protection refers to the practices and policies aimed at preserving the natural environment from degradation caused by human activities. This includes regulating pollution, conserving natural resources, restoring damaged ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development. Professionals working in environmental protection may be involved in monitoring environmental quality, enforcing laws, and promoting public awareness about sustainability. Their goal is to balance human needs with the health of the planet, ensuring clean air, water, and land for present and future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in environmental protection?

To thrive in Environmental Protection, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulatory compliance, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with environmental monitoring tools, GIS software, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help professionals effectively assess risks and engage stakeholders. These skills are essential for ensuring environmental regulations are met and for developing solutions that protect natural resources and public health.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in environmental protection roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Environmental Protection often encounter challenges such as balancing regulatory compliance with organizational goals, staying updated on evolving environmental laws, and effectively communicating complex scientific information to non-experts. To address these challenges, it’s important to engage in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with legal and technical teams, and develop strong communication skills. Building networks within the industry and participating in relevant workshops can also help professionals stay informed and adaptable in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection vs Environmental Compliance?

AspectEnvironmental ProtectionEnvironmental Compliance
Primary FocusPreventing environmental harm through proactive measuresEnsuring adherence to environmental laws and regulations
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, safety trainingEnvironmental compliance certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site inspections, environmental projectsOffice-based, regulatory documentation, audits
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental organizations, industries with environmental impactCorporations, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

Environmental Protection focuses on proactive measures to prevent environmental damage, while Environmental Compliance emphasizes adhering to laws and regulations. Both roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes within environmental management.

What are some careers in environmental protection?

Careers in environmental protection include environmental scientist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, environmental technician, and sustainability manager. These roles often require knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and the use of tools like GIS software, with many positions requiring relevant degrees and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Protection jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Environmental Protection jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Protection jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,182 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENGINEER III

Des Plaines, IL • Hybrid

State of Illinois
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$6.4K - $9.3K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Illinois rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58639 
Opening Date:
09/09/2026
Closing Date:
09/23/2026
Agency:
Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: 
ENV PROT ENGINEER III (13793) 
Skill Option: 
None 
Bilingual Option: 
None
Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460 monthly; Full Range $6,460 - $9,337 monthly.
Job Type:
Salaried
Category: 
Full Time 
Number of Vacancies:
1
Bargaining Unit Code: 
RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians 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: 9511 Harrison St, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: Christopher Steinkruger

Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov

Phone #: 217-558-1256

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.

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.

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Public Water Supplies (PWS), Unit B is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Engineer III.  This position performs engineering reviews of plans and specifications submitted by applicants and/or applicants' representatives for construction and/or modification of water main extensions and new PWS Permit Program treatment plants and/or improvement plans of existing treatment plants for the PWS Permit Program.  The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The position requires confidentiality and professionalism, often under sensitive and controversial circumstances.  The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically, and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders.  

The benefits of working at the IEPA include a 37 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 detailed technical engineering reviews of complex plans and specifications water treatment processes/
    technologies for engineering projects within all phases of the State's Public Water Supplies permitting program;
    water main extensions, storage facilities and water treatment plant construction/improvement projects for their
    conformance with the Public Water Supplies' Permit Program rules and regulations for the Public Water Supplies
    Permit Program, Division of Public Water Supplies, Bureau of Water.
  • Provides technical support to intra-agency programs directly related to the safe treatment of water provided by
    community water supplies in Illinois;
  • Conducts visits of Community Water Supply facilities and supports meetings/conferences to provide technical
    assistance in the implementation of Public Water Supplies' Permit Program.
  • Provides technical assistance in the implementation of Public Water Supplies' Permit Program rules and
    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 two years of professional engineering experience in one of the fields listed above. 
  •  A master's degree in engineering or business administration may be substituted for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience in the review or preparation of plans and specifications for treatment systems for public
    water supplies.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience developing, designing, or reviewing the design of treatment systems that mitigate the
    impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on drinking water systems and improve HAB mitigation efforts.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience interpreting and conveying pertinent laws, rules, and regulations concerning water
    contamination and treatment or mitigation efforts.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience conveying technical information in a clear manner to the public or stakeholders.
Specialized Skills (Used for certain BU Employees only)
  • Requires two (2) years' experience in determining regulatory compliance of public water supply permit applications.
Conditions of Employment
  • Requires a valid driver's license.
  • Requires the ability to travel.
  • 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"), and seek a revolving door determination
    from the OEIG, or may be subject to a fine.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job
    description.

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

What State Of Illinois employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

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