LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

State of Illinois; Marion (IL); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Pension and retirement benefits

Insurance eligibility on day one

Job summary

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks a Life Sciences Career Trainee for the Southern Region – Marion Unit. You will participate in a six to twelve month agency-sponsored training program, gaining hands-on experience in life sciences and environmental protection disciplines.

The position offers a structured progression toward a professional environmental career, with a 37.5 hour work week, comprehensive benefits, and in-office hybrid scheduling (4–5 days per week) depending on

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Receives training for six to twelve months to gain knowledge in routine field inspections/investigations of hazardous and solid waste management and disposal facilities and remediation sites.
• Receives training to assist in providing for the Region Manager’s close review.
• Receives training to provide information 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required, which are reasonably within the scope of duties.

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

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. Please tell us 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. 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 My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

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.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., 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 profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58649Opening Date: 10/09/2026Closing Date: 10/26/2026Agency: Environmental Protection AgencyClass Title:LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,747 monthly; Full Range $4,747 - $6,446 monthly.Job Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday 1 hr lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: 2309 W Main St, Marion, Illinois, 62959Work County: WilliamsonAgency Contact: joseph.mercier @ illinois.gov

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

(For informational purposes only: Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist IReq #58648)

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.

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Land Pollution Control, Field Operations Section is seeking a motivated Life Sciences Career Trainee.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional to begin their career in environmental protection. The selected candidate will participate in an agency-sponsored training program lasting six to twelve months. During this time, you will gain hands‑on experience through structured assignments designed to build knowledge, skills, and practical understanding across key life sciences and environmental protection disciplines within the Southern Region – Marion Unit. As a Life Sciences Career Trainee, you will take on progressively challenging responsibilities across a wide range of departmental activities, developing the foundation needed to advance into a professional environmental career with the State of Illinois.

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). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

• 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), Southern Region/Marion.
• Receives training to assist in providing for the 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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