Life Sciences Career Trainee

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Leaking Underground Storage Tank Section, Special Projects and Financial Unit is seeking to hire 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 consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines within the Leaking Underground Storage Tank, Special Projects, and Financial Unit.  As an LSCT, you will receive focused 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 reviewing corrective actions plans and reporting for groundwater and soil remediation of Special Projects to determine if they are technically adequate in the Special Projects and Financial Unit, for the Bureau of Land (BOL), in accordance with regulations pertaining to 35 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 731 and Part 734;
• Receives training in reviewing 20-day, 45-day, and site investigation plans and reports for completeness to ensure all requirements of 35 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 731 and Part 734 were abided by;
• Receives training in checking to ensure time and material breakdown, bills and receipts are included in the budget and reimbursement submittals;

Receives training in performing site inspections at Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) sites;

Receives training in assisting the Division of Legal Counsel in the preparation of enforcement cases against owners/operators who have not complied with the requirements of 35 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 731 and Part 734;

Utilizes a personal computer to update databases, document notes, maintain reports, receive and send emails.

Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of 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 (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers the ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
• Prefers the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Prefers the ability to profit from training received in the designated area of state government.
• Prefers the 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 Microsoft Word, Access and Excel software.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a current and 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 of (8 hr. annual refresher) and/or certification to ensure position is up to date with laws, rules and regulations to maintain compliance with Il 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.

Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 
Work Location: Springfield - 1021 N Grand Ave E 

Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Environmental & Natural Resources