Life Sciences Career Trainee; Ump

Date:
May 26, 2026

Location:

Springfield, IL, 62704

Job Requisition

Opening Date: 05/26/2026

Closing Date: 06/09/2026

Agency:
Environmental Protection Agency

Class

Title:

LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600

Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary $4,747 a month;
Full Range $4,747 - $6,446 a month

Job Type: Salaried

Category:
Full Time

County:
Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

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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.

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 made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other application materials.

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.

• Receives training for a period of six to twelve months to gain knowledge in
  conducting stream and lake monitoring and assessment activities in the Northern, Central,
  and Southern Monitoring Unit/Central, Surface Water Section.
• Receives training in stream and lake monitoring activities to support the Ambient Water
  Quality 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 related
  efforts.
• Receives training to gain knowledge and participate in the preparation of the biennial Clean Water Act Sections 305(b)/303(d) Integrated Report.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the
  duties enumerated above.

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a field of the life sciences.
• This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

• Prefers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic or environmental), with specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Ecology, or closely related environmental science.
• Prefers experience utilizing scientific testing and sampling equipment and established protocols to monitor aquatic macroinvertebrates, 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…