Position Website and Application Information
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 relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. 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. To learn more visit https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/.
ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher (up to five depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to perform sponsored research on environmental assessments. The assessments will involve evaluating potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) infrastructure improvement projects. IDOT’s infrastructure projects range in size and can involve anything from a single property to hundreds of properties across many miles of existing or future highways. IDOT uses the assessments completed by ISGS to assess each project’s needs, plan the agency’s short-term and long-term needs, assist in land acquisition decisions, and promote awareness of natural and man-made hazards that may affect the project and its construction. This is a hybrid position. Field vehicles and equipment are based out of our office in Lisle, Illinois, a western Chicago suburb.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• 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.
• 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. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to 30% of the time (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Participate in other geologic/environmental research and initiatives.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in the geosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Background in the geosciences or environmental sciences with experience performing fieldwork. Valid driver's license. Ability to adhere to the IDOT property assessment program health and safety plan, which includes having or acquiring 40-hour OSHA hazardous waste site worker training, followed by 8-hour annual refresher training, and undergoing annual physical examinations as part of the medical monitoring program for hazardous waste site workers.
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in the geosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature 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 various information sources. Ability to evaluate potential environmental hazards and risks. Ability to write comprehensive technical reports. Ability to prioritize, organize, and handle heavy workloads with multiple deadlines. Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment renewable annually based on satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience.
Applications must be received by September 16, 2022. Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401.
