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Biology Opt Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Biology Opt information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$22.8K

$51.7K

$73.8K

How much do biology opt jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for biology opt in Springfield, IL is $51,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Biology Opt professional?

Biological Optometrists typically conduct comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and manage ocular diseases, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide patient education on eye health. You'll also interpret diagnostic tests, document patient records, and occasionally collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals for interdisciplinary care. Routine tasks often include updating patient charts, managing follow-up appointments, and remaining current with advances in eye care research and technology. The workday is a balanced mix of clinical care, patient interaction, and administrative responsibilities to ensure effective practice management and optimal patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Biology Opt position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Biological Optometrist (Biology Opt), you need a strong foundation in biology, vision science, and optometric clinical training, typically supported by a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and relevant licensure. Proficiency in using diagnostic equipment such as slit lamps, retinoscopes, and visual field testing systems is essential, along with up-to-date knowledge of ocular disease management. Excellent interpersonal communication, detail orientation, and patient-centric care are key soft skills for building trust and ensuring successful treatment outcomes. These skills and qualities are integral for accurately diagnosing and managing vision and eye health issues, as well as providing exceptional patient care.

What is a Biology Opt job?

A Biology Opt job typically refers to a position that combines biology with optics or optometry. This could include roles in biomedical research, optical imaging, vision science, or biotechnology. Professionals in this field may work in laboratories, healthcare settings, or the optical industry, studying biological processes related to vision or developing optical technologies for medical applications.

What are popular job titles related to Biology Opt jobs in Springfield, IL? For Biology Opt jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Biology Opt jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Biology Opt job openings:
Biology Opt jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biology Opt job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,726 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

LIFE SCIENCES CAREER TRAINEE (UMP)

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL

$4.7K - $6.4K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

State Of Illinois rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 57193
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 07/15/2026
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Class Title: LIFE SCIENCE CAREER TRAINEE - 23600 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4,747 a month; Full Range $4,747 - $6,446 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
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 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 months 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 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 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.
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 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 the 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.
Conditions of Employment
  • 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.

*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: Environmental & Natural Resources; 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

What State Of Illinois employees say

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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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