NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Job Responsibilities

35% 1. Receives training for a period of six to twelve months duration to gain knowledge in conducting stream and lake monitoring and assessment activities in the Northern, Central, and Southern Monitoring Unit/Central, Surface Water Section, for the Division of Water Pollution Control/Bureau of Water;

• Observes and participates in the collection of biological, hydrological, habitat, sediment, and water samples
• Performs fieldwork activities including lifting equipment weighing up to 60 lbs., operating small watercraft and swimming, often under adverse environmental conditions
• Handles and interprets data resulting from samples collected
• Sorts and identifies aquatic macroinvertebrates
• Prepares for close review, routine scientific environmental data and routine technical written reports of investigations
• Travels in performance of duties

25% 2. Receives training in stream and lake monitoring activities to support the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Network, Intensive Basin Survey, Ambient Lake, Harmful Algal Bloom, and Facility-Related Stream Survey programs;

• Observes and assists with applying established protocols and ensures quality of collected samples
• Observes and assists with the qualitative and rapid testing process of water samples for algal toxins
• Provides results and interpretation to Agency staff
• Interprets routine results and prepares routine scientific reports

(Job Responsibilities continued)

20% 3. Receives training to assist in activities in support of stream, lake, and watershed related efforts;

• Collects appropriate biological, chemical, and physical data from streams and lakes
• Learns to interpret resultant data and develops written technical scientific reports of survey to the Unit Manager
• Provides routine technical assistance and interprets information to lake management associations, lake managers, and landowners
• Assists with facility related stream surveys following IEPA protocols
• Observes and receives training in the development and review of technical documents including Standard Operating Procedures, Monitoring Strategy, Basin and Lake Reports, etc.
• Develops working relationships with municipalities, consultants, and other entities to coordinate monitoring
• Provides reviews and comments on Section 319 grant applications

15% 4. Receives training to gain knowledge and participate in the preparation of the biennial Clean Water Act Sections 305(b)/303(d) Integrated Report;

• Observes and learns assessment process to determine attainment of aquatic life, aesthetic, and other designated uses with identifying potential causes and sources of impairments
• Assists in compiling and organizing data to be entered and maintained in the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System

(Job Responsibilities continued)

05% 5. Performs other duties as required or assigned 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.

2.  This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Requires ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
2. Requires ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
3. Requires ability to profit from training received in the designated area of state government.
4. Requires ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency representatives.
5. Requires the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, presentation software, GIS, and statistical analysis packages.
6. Prefers experience utilizing scientific testing and sampling equipment and established protocols to monitor aquatic macroinvertebrates, aquatic habitat, or water chemistry, and prefers experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates.
7. Prefers Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic or environmental), with specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Ecology, or closely related environmental science.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid driver’s license.
2. Requires the ability to travel.
3. Requires the ability to swim
4. Requires the ability to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 pounds.
5. Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions. 
6. Requires the ability to operate small watercraft (e.g., canoe, boats equipped with outboard motors weighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples.