Agency : Environmental Protection Agency
Closing Date/Time: 06/20/2024
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/24) $4,412 monthly; Full Range $4,412 - $5,991 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
County: Marion
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 38636
Life Sciences Career Trainee (UMP)
(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req # 38635)
***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 Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control,
Surface Water Section, Southern Monitoring/Southern Unit is seeking to hire a
Life Sciences Career Trainee (LSCT) (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 discipline. 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 Function 1
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/Southern, 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.
Essential Function 2
25% 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.
Essential Function 3
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 Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency (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.
Essential Function 4
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.
Essential Function 5
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.
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 the 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 with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel,
presentation software, Geographic Information Systems (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.
Employment Conditions
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.
7. Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: 2309 W Main St Marion, IL 62959-1187
Agency Contact:
Joe Mercier
Email: joseph.mercier@illinois.gov
Phone #:217-785-2361
Posting Group: 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.
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