Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher

Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie ResearchInstitute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey(ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public,government, and industry with earth science information and research relevantto natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and publicsafety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

ISGS is seeking to hire a VisitingScientific Specialist, Environmental Assessment Researcher (up to 5depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to perform sponsored research on environmentalassessments. The assessments willinvolve evaluating potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks forIllinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) infrastructure improvementprojects. IDOT's infrastructure projects range in size and can involve anythingfrom a single property to hundreds of properties across many miles of existingor future highways. IDOT uses theassessments completed by ISGS to protect workers and public safety, to reduceIDOT's liability, and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient andcost-effective manner. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Research- Data Analysis/Interpretation

• Interpret, analyze, and summarize the collected geologic and environmental data and information pertaining to potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks related to environmental site assessments.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports detailing the findings of the assessments, site-specific historical information, and regulatory information.
• Provide technical information to government agencies.
• Participate in other geologic/environmental research and initiatives.

Research - Field Work/Data Collection

• Obtain, research, and analyze geological maps, regulatory files, site-specific historical data, and environmental data.
• Conduct statewide on-site field research as well as interviews with representatives of industry, government agencies, and landowners.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Outreach and Other

• Participate in outreach and service events.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:
Bachelor's degree in thegeosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will beconsidered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as itrelates to this position. Background in the geosciences or environmentalsciences with experience performing fieldwork. Ability to adhere to the IDOT property assessment program health andsafety plan, which includes having or acquiring 40-hour OSHA hazardous wastesite worker training, followed by 8-hour annual refresher training, andundergoing annual physical examinations as part of the medical monitoringprogram for hazardous waste site workers. Valid driver's license.

Preferred:
Master's degree in thegeosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on thenature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to interpret maps.Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret data from variousinformation sources. Ability to evaluate potential environmental hazards andrisks. Ability to write comprehensive technical reports. Ability to prioritize,organize, and handle heavy workloads with multiple deadlines. Ability to usesound judgment in decision-making. Effective communication, personal relations,collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills. Proficiency in commonlyemployed software and databases.

Working Conditions:
Fieldwork will requireworking in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness,sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to 30% of thetime (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinoisin both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to onework week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating fieldequipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 25 pounds.

Appointment Information

Thisis a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular position at alater date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted amount for this position is $60,000to $65,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualificationsand experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typicalfor an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full rangefor a position.

Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays

Application Procedures & Deadline Information:
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, November 12, 2024. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1053?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom ofthe page. Applications not submittedthrough this website will not be considered. Application materials must includea 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience asit relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contactinformation (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal)references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further information about this specific position, pleasecontact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questionsregarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1027158
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.ed