LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

Job Overview

The Illinois EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is seeking candidates for the title of Life Science Career Trainee (LSCT) in the Bureau of Land’s Remedial Project Management Section (RPMS), to gain knowledge of and assist with the review of scientific reports associated with the Site Remediation Program (SRP). The LSCT will have the opportunity to work firsthand with environmental consultants and responsible parties directly involved with remediation projects throughout the state in both voluntary and enforcement-related scenarios. The evaluation of reports submitted to the Illinois EPA will provide the LSCT with exposure to the interpretation of analytical results, site characterization, environmental assessments, and scientific calculations used to make informed decisions regarding site cleanup.  A RPMS LSCT will utilize and become familiar with Illinois EPA regulations used to implement and enforce the SRP and Brownfields program, including 35 Ill. Adm. Code 740 (Site Remediation Program) and 742 (Tiered Approach to Corrective Action).  With the guidance provided by higher-level staff, the LSCT will have opportunities to assist in program improvement and development through collaborative and individual projects that may include database enhancements, involvement with the rule-making process, or updating technical guidance or administrative procedures.

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 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);
• Receives training to gain knowledge in and participate in enforcement related activities;
• 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;
• Receives training to gain knowledge in and assist higher level staff in the performance of on- site activities;
• Receives guidance in assisting higher level Illinois EPA staff with ensuring technical or program specific
  requirements for the Brownfields program are met;
• 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;
• Performs other duties as assigned or required 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 ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports;
•  Prefers ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
•  Prefers ability to profit from training received in designated area of state government
•  Prefers ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and Agency

representatives.

•  Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer and knowledge of common Microsoft applications and software.

Conditions of Employment

•  Requires a valid driver’s license
•  Requires the ability to travel
•  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

•  Requires the 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.