Laboratory Associate ; Ump

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

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The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H‑1B) nor does it provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM‑designated degree program for F‑1 students. To be considered for permanent employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not based on wage or salary history. Please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other application materials.

Job Requisition : 57033
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 07/09/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class

Title:

LABORATORY ASSOCIATE I - 22997
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4,407 a month;
Full Range $4,407 - $5,879 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC028 Paraprofessional Human Services Employees, AFSCME

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Division of Laboratories, Bench and Support Unit, located at the Springfield Combined Laboratory, seeks a Laboratory Associate I. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a collaborative, fast‑paced laboratory setting. The candidate will perform laboratory techniques and work with hazardous chemicals, demonstrating strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills while working effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders.

Benefits include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary, 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).

• Prepares environmental extracts from soil, water, air, wastes, and fish tissue samples in accordance with SOP and established laboratory QC/QA procedures.
• Prepares environmental samples for analyses involving a variety of analytical techniques.
• As directed follows new testing procedures for the analysis of environmental samples.
• Conducts maintenance and calibration of equipment, including meters and probes used for analyses.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

• Education and experience equivalent to an associate’s degree with courses in laboratory sciences.

Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program shall have the stated requirements of this classification waived by successful completion of specific proficiency tests and training programs.

• Elementary knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, or related sciences.
• Elementary knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment safely in performing routine and standard laboratory tests.

• Requires a valid and current driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Overtime is a condition of employment; the employee may be requested or required to work scheduled, unscheduled, or last‑minute overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to remain current on methods, tools, and industry related topics.
• Requires the ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Requires the ability to pass a name‑based background check.

Work Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, 1 hr lunch
Headquarter

Location:

825 N Rutledge St, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon

Agency Statement: The mission of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is to safeguard environmental quality, protecting the health, welfare, property, and quality of life of Illinois residents through partnership with businesses, local governments, and citizens.