What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST - (DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY) position at Cook County Government?
Cook County Offices
Under The President
Administrative Hearings
Auditor
Bureau of Administration
Bureau of Economic Development
Bureau of Finance
Bureau of Human Resources
Bureau of Technology
Facilities
Office of the President
Job Summary
Handle complex environmental engineering activities and ensure enforcement of Federal, State, and County environmental protection laws such as the Clean Air Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act. Conduct on-site investigatory, environmental engineering pollution inspections wherein previous inspections reported emissions of a problematical nature for non-abatement of pollutants into the environment. Investigate and confirm quality to meet expected environmental standards. Perform complex calculations to determine emission criteria of various pollutants. Prepare comprehensive analytical reports per investigatory engineering pollution inspections. WORK LOCATION: 69 W. Washington St.
Minimum Qualifications
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered:
The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.
NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.
Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position
Job Posting
Jun 2, 2026, 5:45:43 PM
Organization
Offices Under the President
Work Locations
Cook County Administration 161 N. Clark St.
Under The President
Administrative Hearings
Auditor
Bureau of Administration
Bureau of Economic Development
Bureau of Finance
Bureau of Human Resources
Bureau of Technology
Facilities
Office of the President
Job Summary
Handle complex environmental engineering activities and ensure enforcement of Federal, State, and County environmental protection laws such as the Clean Air Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act. Conduct on-site investigatory, environmental engineering pollution inspections wherein previous inspections reported emissions of a problematical nature for non-abatement of pollutants into the environment. Investigate and confirm quality to meet expected environmental standards. Perform complex calculations to determine emission criteria of various pollutants. Prepare comprehensive analytical reports per investigatory engineering pollution inspections. WORK LOCATION: 69 W. Washington St.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree AND
- Four (4) years in environmental energy OR directly related experience OR
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
- Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and County environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
- Skill in operating various portable monitors and measurement devices and interpreting instrument readings regarding pollution control.
- Ability to interpret appropriate reference materials to extract necessary formulas and information. Ability to create technical diagrams, drawings, and sketches, by hand, of industrial processes, combustion, incineration, and related control equipment layouts, ability to read and interpret applicable technical diagrams, drawings, and sketches, and ability to travel at a moderate to extensive level to work assignments throughout the County.
- Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with the general public respective to the mandates of Federal, State, and County environmental protection laws. Ability to prepare detailed analytical written reports relative to environmental engineering pollution inspections.
- Ability to independently guide staff in area of specialization to drive business success.
- Ability to provide in-depth insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in an assigned functional area.
- Ability to operate as a senior team member and communicate advanced specialized knowledge to team members, leaders, and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus.
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
- MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
- IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION “Are you a military veteran?”
- ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).
VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- Voluntary Benefits
- You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
- For eligible employees the County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
- This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.
NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.
Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position
Job Posting
Jun 2, 2026, 5:45:43 PM
Organization
Offices Under the President
Work Locations
Cook County Administration 161 N. Clark St.
Salary : $97,116 - $107,166