LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

Job Requisition ID: 58041
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 08/25/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,747 monthly; Full Range $4,747 - $6,446 monthly.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

***Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. ***

Note: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must verify and have proof of higher education and coursework (if applicable) for any degree earned before any offer can be extended.

Sponsorship for Employment

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.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Leaking Underground Storage Tank Section, Unit B 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-month 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 Section, Unit B. As an LSCT, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility.

The benefits of working at the IEPA 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 to determine if they are technically adequate in the Leaking
  Underground Storage Tank (LUST) B Unit (Group 1), 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 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.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including
  scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies
  or other industry related topics to the job duties.

*The conditions of employment listed here 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 1 hr lunch
Headquarter Location: 2520 W Iles Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62704
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Agency Statement: The mission of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State of Illinois, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. IEPA works to safeguard the states natural resources from pollution to provide a healthy environment for its citizens. By partnering with businesses, local governments and citizens, IEPA is dedicated to continued protection of the air we breathe and our water and land resources.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com