Life Sciences Career Trainee; Ump

Life Sciences Career Trainee (UMP)

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Surface Water Section, Algal Bloom Coordination 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 months duration. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consistent with various professional life sciences career discipline. 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).

Essential Functions:

• Receives training for a period of six to twelve months duration to gain knowledge in conducting, monitoring and assessment activities as required by the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) to support the Algal Bloom Coordination (ABC) Unit and Surface Water Section, in the Division of Water Pollution Control/Bureau of Water.
• Participates in algal bloom response activities to support the Bureau of Water.
• Observes data management, interpretation and statistical manipulation activities using various computer-related systems and applications.
• Presents a positive public image on behalf of the Agency, while learning to provide effective oral communication and presentation of technical data to both technical and non-technical audiences (e.g., State Lake Association Conference, public speaking requests).
• Performs other duties as required of assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in some field of the life sciences.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance):

• Prefers Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (aquatic) with specific coursework (15-17 semester hours) in limnology, stream, or aquatic ecology or closely related environmental science.
• Prefers the ability to prepare written and oral reports.
• Prefers the ability to conduct field work under extreme environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.).
• Prefers working knowledge of state laws, rules, regulations as pertaining to environmental protection or pollution abatement.
• 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 Survey 123, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, and statistical software.
• Prefers experience in utilizing scientific sample collection equipment and established protocols to assess the chemical, physical, and biological condition of surface waters.
• Prefers experience applying processes and procedures to ensure that data and related information are of sufficient quantity and quality to meet program needs.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires a current and valid driver's license.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to swim, to lift, carry, and transport loads weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires the ability to operate small watercraft (e.g., canoes, boats with outboard motors weighing up to 60 pounds, with ability to lift outboard motors) while collecting environmental samples.
• 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:

2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704

Work County:
Sangamon

Agency Contact:
Chris Steinkruger

Email:
Christopher.

E.Steinkruger

Phone #: