Closing Date/Time: 04/01/2025
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,412 monthly; Full Range $4,412 - $5,991 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 2
Plan/BU: RC062
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 (Illinois EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Office of Site Evaluation (OSE) is seeking candidates for the title of Life Science Career Trainee (LSCT). The Office of Site Evaluation conducts environmental investigations throughout Illinois. Weekly job duties will involve occasional field work conducted through the year. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team working culture and will be resilient, adaptable, and innovative. The selected candidate will participate in an agency sponsored training program founded by hands-on experience for a duration of six to twelve months. This trainee position receives working assignments to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills related to environmental site assessment and various life sciences.
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
- Receives training for a period of six to twelve months duration to gain knowledge in preparing the initial draft and technical reports for Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Brownfield, and other regulated facilities in accordance with established guidance and procedures in the Office of Site Evaluation Unit (OSE), Deputy Bureau Chief’s Office, for the Bureau of Land;
- Receives training on how to prepare plans necessary to conduct technical and scientific field inspections/investigations to evaluate environmental contaminants and their impact on human health and the environment;
- Receives training necessary to conduct environmental technical and scientific field inspections/investigations at sites where the presence of hazardous substances is either possible, suspected, or known;
- Receives training necessary to provide site evaluation expertise and technical assistance to cleanup programs within the Bureau of Land;
- Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires a bachelor's degree in some field of the life sciences.
- This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers the ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
- Prefers the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Prefers the ability to profit from training received in the designated area of state government.
- Prefers the ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency representatives.
- Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel software.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
- Requires the ability to participate in a medical monitoring program.
- 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.
- Requires the ability to wear an air purifying respirator and/or other forms of respiratory protection for long period of time (e.g. 10 hours with only short 15-minute breaks).
- Requires the ability to carry and utilize a self-contained breathing apparatus (weighing approximately 25 pounds)
- Requires the 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 of 100F).
- Requires ability to lift heavy equipment/supplies (e.g. 50 pounds).
- 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).
- Requires sufficient dexterity to operate scientific sampling equipment.
- 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 hr. 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 HAZWOPER training.
- Requires ability to pass a name-based background check.
All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: Springfield - 2520 West Iles Avenue
Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Environmental & Natural Resources