LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)
Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID: 50800
Closing Date: 10/28/2025
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,586 monthly; Full Range $4,586 - $6,228 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
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.
LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP) Req# 50800
(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req #50802)
***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.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Surface Water Section, Algal Bloom Coordination Unit is seeking to hire a Life Sciences 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 consistent 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 Functions
- Receives training for a period of six to twelve months duration to gain knowledge in conducting, monitoring and assessment activities as required by the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) to support the Algal Bloom Coordination (ABC) Unit and Surface Water Section, in the Division of Water Pollution Control/Bureau of Water.
- Participates in algal bloom response activities to support the Bureau of Water.
- Observes data management, interpretation and statistical
- Presents a positive public image on behalf of the Agency, while learning to provide effective oral communication and presentation of technical data to both technical and non-technical audiences (e.g., State Lake Association Conference, public speaking requests)
- Performs other duties as required of assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties.
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 (In Order of Significance)
- Prefers Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic) with specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in limnology, stream, or aquatic ecology or closely related environmental science.
- Prefers the ability to prepare written and oral reports.
- Prefers the ability to conduct field work under extreme environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.).
- Prefers working knowledge of state laws, rules, regulations as pertaining to environmental protection or pollution abatement.
- Prefers ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency representatives.
- Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Survey 123, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, and statistical software.
- Prefers experience in utilizing scientific sample collection equipment and established protocols to assess the chemical, physical, and biological condition of surface waters.
- Prefers experience applying processes and procedures to ensure that data and related information are of sufficient quantity and quality to meet program needs.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Requires a current and valid driver’s license.
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Requires the ability to swim, to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 lbs.
- Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
- Requires the ability to operate small watercraft (e.g., canoes, boats with outboard motors weighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples.
- Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
- *The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Work Location: 2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704
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 (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
Revolving Door: “Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”), and seek a revolving door determination from the OEIG, or may be subject to a fine.”
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.
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.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Springfield