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Life Science Career Trainee

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Email

Job Requisition ID: 49309
Closing Date: 09/12/2025
​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.

 

***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.

 

LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE Req 49309

(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req #49310)

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 Land (BOL), Materials Management and Compliance Section, within the Waste Reduction Unit is seeking a Life Science 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 or physical sciences career disciplines within the Materials Management and Compliance Section.  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 and assist with conducting routine technical and scientific activities, in the Bureau of Land (BOL), Materials Management and Compliance Section (MMCS), within Materials Management Unit.
  • Receives training to gain knowledge in compiling data for one or more Materials Management Programs including any collection facilities.
  • Receives training and assists in administering one or more Materials Management Program.
  • Observes and assists to review applicable permit applications and develops technical scientific reports for one or more Materials Management Programs.
  • Observes and assists specialists in interacting with industry representatives, special interest groups, and the general public on behalf of MMCS.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the 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 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 the designated area of state government.
  • Prefers ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency representatives.
  • Prefers ability to utilize a computer with knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers’ license.
  • Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  • Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics to the job duties.
  • Requires the ability to pass a name-based background check.
  • The condition 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