LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

Job Requisition ID:

 56384

Opening Date:

05/26/2026

Closing Date:

06/09/2026

Agency:

Environmental Protection AgencyClass Title:

 

LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600

 

Skill Option:

 None 

Bilingual Option:

 

NoneSalary:

Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4,747 a month; Full Range $4,747 - $6,446 a month

Job Type:

SalariedCategory:

 Full Time 

County:

SangamonNumber of Vacancies:

1

Bargaining Unit Code:

 RC062

Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit 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. (For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req #56385) •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.

Job Overview The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Surface Water Section, Northern, Central, and Southern Monitoring/Central 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-month duration. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding, and practical skills consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines. 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 inconducting stream and lake monitoring and assessment activities in the Northern, Central,and Southern Monitoring Unit/Central, Surface Water Section, for the Division of WaterPollution Control/Bureau of Water; Receives training in stream and lake monitoring activities to support the Ambient WaterQuality Monitoring Network, Intensive Basin Survey, Ambient Lake, Harmful Algal Bloom,and Facility-Related Stream Survey programs; Receives training to assist in activities in support of stream, lake, and watershed relatedefforts; Receives training to gain knowledge and participate in the preparation of the biennial CleanWater Act Sections 305(b)/303(d) Integrated Report; Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of theduties 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 (In Order of Significance) Prefers a Bachelor of science degree in Biology (aquatic or environmental), with specific coursework (15-17 semesterhours) in Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Ecology, or closely related environmental science. Prefers experience utilizing scientific testing and sampling equipment and established protocols to monitor aquaticmacroinvertebrates, aquatic habitat, or water chemistry. Prefers experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates. Prefers experience in conducting field work and operating under a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain,snow, etc.). Prefers experience operating small watercraft including trailering, backing, launching, navigating or re-trailering watercraft. Prefers the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Prefers the ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agencyrepresentatives. Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, presentation software,Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Survey123, and statistical analysis packages. Prefers the ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports. Condition 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 motorsweighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples. 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.

Work Hours:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 1 hr lunch

Headquarter Location:

2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704

Work County:

Sangamon

Agency Contact:

 

Chris SteinkrugerEmail:

Christopher.

E.Steinkruger@illinois.govPhone #: 217-558-1256

Posting Group:

Environmental & Natural Resources; 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).

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