Agency : Environmental Protection Agency
Closing Date/Time: 06/10/2024
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/24) $4,412 monthly; Full Range $4,4120 - $5,991 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC062
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 38240
Life Sciences Career Trainee (UMP)
(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req # 38241)
***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.
*Answer all questions thoroughly-DO NOT STATE SEE RESUME*
Job Overview
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Remedial Project Management Section (RPMS), Unit B is seeking to hire Life Science Career Trainee (Option E). The ideal candidate will participate in the agency sponsored training program for a six to twelve months duration. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines within the Remedial Project Management Section (RPMS), Unit B. As a LSCT, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility.
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). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.
Essential Functions
45% 1. Receives training for six to twelve-months duration to gain knowledge in and assist in conducting scientific reviews of Site Remediation Program (SRP) reports submitted to the Illinois EPA from Remediation Applicants (RAs), consulting firms and other entities for the Remedial Project Management Unit (RPMU) B, Remedial Project Management Section (RPMS), Bureau of Land (BOL);
• Evaluating scientific reports for technical deficiencies, proper interpretation of analytical results, and compliance with regulations and remediation objectives
• Assisting in performing scientific calculations utilizing a personal computer, databases, spreadsheets or other software
• Preparing for close review, routine technical letters to document Illinois EPA decisions concerning the required reports of the SRP.
• Providing routine written communication to (RAs), consulting firms and other entities, via electronic mail or formal letters utilizing program templates, to assist in interpretation of SRP requirements, request extensions to review deadlines and help navigate changing project scopes of work
• Developing routine technical documents to present to Unit Managers and Section Manager providing information necessary for Managerial level decisions and evaluations
• Observing and assisting higher level staff with budgets associated with the Drycleaner Trust Fund activities to ensure costs are reasonable and consistent with the regulations by conducting reviews of cost reimbursement packages
20% 2. Receives training to gain knowledge in and participate in enforcement related activities;
• Identification of responsible parties
• Drafting, negotiating, and monitoring of consent orders, compliance commitment agreements, and other enforcement related documents to ensure compliance
• Referring sites for enforcement as a result of information received
• Observes and assists higher level staff with providing technical data to be utilized in court hearings and legal cases
Essential Functions - Continued
10% 3. Receives training to gain knowledge in assisting with the management of State or Federal funded investigations/cleanups through the utilization of Illinois EPA, US EPA or other State of Illinois contractors;
• Reviewing site histories
• Making recommendations regarding future actions
• Preparing applicable documentation regarding the expenditure of funds, access agreements, briefing memos and notices
• Preparing for and attending public meetings as necessary
• Overseeing work conducted by contractors
• Reviewing contractor invoices and entering cost information into Cost Tracking database
• Conducting procurement reviews and evaluations as necessary.
• Making recommendations for selection of contractors and consultants
10% 4. Receives training to gain knowledge in and assist higher level staff in the performance of on-site activities;
• Observes and assists other professional and technical staff in the performance of site investigations
• Conducting private well sampling in accordance with project specifications
• Conducting site inspections relevant to No Further Remediation Letter conditions and terms of approval and prepare necessary documentation.
• Assisting or overseeing USEPA staff at sites that have a Federal obligation for cleanup or reporting
• Conducting on-site visits to ensure work is being performed per specifications and verify the work activities are in line with the remediation goals.
• Utilizes required and appropriate check-out procedures for lab supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
• Participates in activities onsite which require the utilization of safety equipment to meet safety standards for investigations of hazardous waste as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120
• Travels in performance of duties
Essential Functions - Continued
05% 5. Receives guidance in assisting higher level Illinois EPA staff with ensuring technical or program specific requirements for the Brownfields program are met;
• Reviewing sampling and analysis plans for Office of Site Evaluation (OSE) Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBAs)
• Acting as Illinois EPA Brownfield representative when assisting Municipalities, Governmental entities or the public
• Coordinating State and Federal Brownfield activities on sites transitioning into the SRP.
• Making eligibility determinations for federal 104(k) grants and prepare acknowledgement letters
05% 6. Receives training and guidance in supporting the Remedial Project Management Section by staying involved with program updates, addressing public inquiries, participating and attending relevant trainings;
• Reviews and stays current with Illinois EPA and USEPA regulations and guidance to ensure remedial activities are performed to latest standards
• On a rotational basis with other Illinois EPA Staff, monitors phone messages from incoming calls to the Illinois EPA regarding remediation sites.
• Participates in rule making work groups and assists in updating outdated regulations for presentation to the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
• Attends conferences and seminars which may be held outside of the region
05% 7. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
1. 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 (In Order of Significance)
1. Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports;
2. Prefers ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
3. Prefers ability to profit from training received in designated area of state government
4. Prefers ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and Agency
representatives.
5. Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer and knowledge of common Microsoft applications and software.
Conditions of Employment
1. Requires a valid driver’s license
2. Requires the ability to travel
3. As required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, this position will be required to take (within 90 days of employment) and maintain working knowledge (8 hour refresher) and/or certification to ensure position is up-to-date with laws, rules and regulations to maintain compliance with Illinois Department of Labor Occupational Safety Regulations: 24 hour OSHA training
4. Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: 1021 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62702
Agency Contact:
Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@Illinois.gov
Phone #:217-558-1256
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program. General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. There are three categories of UMP titles: 1) certificate titles which require passing a written proficiency exam; 2) credential titles which require the possession of a specified college degree and/or licensure; and 3) dual titles for which a certificate may be earned by following either the certificate or credential pathway.
This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
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.
The IEPA does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent IEPA employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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.