Life Sciences Career Trainee; Ump

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process, please let us know. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under the Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center ability

ResCen or call  for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

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 month 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 37½ 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).

• Receives training for a period of six to twelve months 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.

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

• 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 ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and agency
  representatives.
• Prefers 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.

• 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.

Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.

E.Steinkruger
Phone #: 217‑558‑1256