Location:
Springfield, IL, US, 62702-4059
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Closing Date/Time: 11/08/2021
Salary: $3,709.00 - $5,199.00 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 2
Plan/BU: RC062
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
- Requires ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
- Requires ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Requires ability to profit from training received in the designated area of state government.
- Requires ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency representatives.
- Requires the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, presentation software, GIS, and statistical analysis packages.
- 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.
- 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
- Requires a valid driver’s license.
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Requires the ability to swim
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 pounds.
- Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
- 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.
