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Life Science Career Trainee

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
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Job Requisition ID: 48177
Closing Date: 07/29/2025
​Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,586 a month; Full Range $4,586 - $6,228 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Winnebago
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062
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.

 

(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I Req #48178)

 

***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.

*Answer all questions thoroughly-DO NOT STATE SEE RESUME*

 

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), Field Operations Section, Northern West Region/Rockford is seeking to hire Life Science Career Trainee (Option E). The ideal candidate will participate in the training program title for a twelve months duration participating in working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills within the Field Operations Section, Northern Region/Des Plaines. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, comfortable with daily public interaction, and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast paced environment. This position is the entry level for the Agency Environmental Protection Specialist titles. 

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 and assist in conducting
    routine field inspections/investigations of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal facilities and
    remediation sites for the Field Operations Section (FOS), Bureau of Land (BOL), North West Region/Rockford;
  • Receives training to assist in providing for Region Manager’s close review;
  • Receives training to provide information (verbally or in writing) on relevant environmental matters to facility
    owners/operators, the public, governmental agencies and others outside the Agency.
  • Receives training to assist with collecting water, soil and waste samples to substantiate violations and/or
    determine the extent of contamination;
  • Attends and participates in meetings and keeps current on relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures
    related to waste management in Illinois;
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required, 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 ability to prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.
  • Prefers the ability to benefit from training and continuing education.
  • Prefers the ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires current and valid driver’s license with the ability to travel.
  • Requires ability to participate in the medical monitoring program.
  • Requires ability to pass a physical examination, which is intended to determine whether a person can wear respiratory
    protection and function in high heat stress situations while wearing chemical protective clothing.
  • Requires ability to wear a respirator or other form of respiratory protection.
  • Requires ability to wear chemical resistant clothing in high heat stress situations while performing strenuous physical tasks
    (e.g. carrying equipment up a steep ravine at a temperature up to 100F).
  • Requires ability to lift heavy equipment (e.g. 45 pounds).
  • Requires ability of hiking, climbing, wading in streams or getting in/out of boats or swimming in emergency situations to get
    to sites (as required by OHSA 29 CFR 1910.120).
  • This position will be required to complete (within 90 days of employment) and maintain working knowledge of (8-hour
    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: 40-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.  
    *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 
Work Location: 4302 N Main St, Rockford, Illinois, 61103  

Agency Contact: Chris Steinkruger
Email: Christopher.E.Steinkruger@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-558-1256