Laboratory Associate

Agency : Environmental Protection Agency

Closing Date/Time: 05/30/2024

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/24) $4,096.00/Month, Full Range $4,096-$5,464 Monthly.

Job Type: Salaried

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 2

Plan/BU: RC028

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.
Posting Identification Number 37550 LABORATORY ASSOCIATE I (UMP) ***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* Position Overview The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Division of Laboratories, Organic Analysis Unit, Springfield Combined Laboratory is seeking to hire a Laboratory Associate I. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders. 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. Essential Functions 35% 1. Prepares environmental extracts/digestions from soil, water, wastes, and fish tissue samples in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and established laboratory Quality Control (QC) procedures utilizing several different techniques, including but not limited to, acid digest, liquid-liquid, solid phase and accelerated solvent extractor. Reviews work priorities based on sample expiration dates and guidance Completes work daily 35% 2. Prepares environmental samples for analyses involving a variety of analytical techniques in accordance with SOPs, and QC directives for detection of analytes of concern in trace concentrations; Maintains accurate temperature records for testing techniques. Utilizes established sample preparation techniques in the laboratory. Adheres to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) methodologies to ensure that laboratory practices and operations are followed safely and properly documented. Essential Functions (continued) 15% 3. As directed follows new testing procedures for the analyses of environmental samples; Informs Supervisor of any deficiencies in procedures, quality, equipment, and performance that could result in less than high-quality standard results. 10% 4. Conducts maintenance and calibration of equipment including meters and probes utilized for analyses; Interprets analytical data, sample tracking, maintenance of data logs, backlog reports, and reports findings to concerned parties Maintains the documentation and record keeping procedures to support the data for each analytical and preparation parameter, including QC data Enters data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database ensuring it follows QC and SOPs 05% 5. Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires education and experience equivalent to an Associate degree with courses in the laboratory sciences. Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program shall have the stated requirements of this classification waived by successful completion of specific proficiency tests and training programs. Preferred Qualifications Prefers elementary knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, or related sciences. Prefers elementary knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques. Prefers ability to use laboratory equipment safely in performing routine and standard laboratory tests. Conditions of Employment 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 the ability to pass a name-based background check. About the Agency 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, to protect health, welfare, property, and 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.
The mission of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Division of Laboratories is to provide environmental analysis and maintain the highest level of quality and reliability, while doing our part to help keep the citizens of Illinois and our environment safe and free from harmful pollutants. Joseph Mercier
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Job Family: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program. General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. There are three categories of UMP titles: 1) certificate titles which require passing a written proficiency exam; 2) credential titles which require the possession of a specified college degree and/or licensure; and 3) dual titles for which a certificate may be earned by following either the certificate or credential pathway.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

The IEPA does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent IEPA employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Revolving Door: "Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG"), and seek a revolving door determination from the OEIG, or may be subject to a fine."

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: