Visiting Environmental Assessments Specialist
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey, with over 200 scientists and technical support staff, 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. The 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. PRI houses five large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology and archaeology. The University is a land-grant institution that provides access to world-class laboratory and academic facilities, Big Ten athletic events, and internationally acclaimed cultural opportunities.
We are seeking individuals (up to five, depending on pool of applicants and programmatic need) to perform environmental site assessments (PESAs) and evaluate 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 PESAs 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. These positions are based in Savoy.
Major Duties and Responsibilities: These positions will involve collecting, reviewing, and evaluating geological maps, regulatory files, as well as site-specific historical and environmental data; conducting fieldwork, which includes statewide on-site investigations, as well as interviews with representatives of industry, government agencies, and landowners; synthesizing and analyzing the collected data and information pertaining to potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks related to environmental site assessments; preparing comprehensive technical reports detailing the findings of the assessments, site-specific historical information, and regulatory information; and participating in other geologic/environmental research.
Qualifications: A background in the geosciences or environmental sciences with a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, engineering geology, civil or environmental engineering, physical geography, or related discipline. Individuals working toward a bachelor’s degree may be considered, but the degree must be obtained by the starting date. Experience performing fieldwork. 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. Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships. Ability and willingness to effectively contribute and lead as part of a team. Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software. Ability to work independently with off-site supervision. Ability to travel, including up to a work week of consecutive nights of overnight travel, and conduct field work, some of which may be under less than ideal conditions (inclement weather, remoteness, site security concerns, moderate physical exertion, heavy traffic). Must have a valid driver’s license. Must 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 (all provided at the expense of the project). Must be willing, with appropriate training, to work in areas of potentially unknown hazardous materials.
These are visiting, full-time, contract-funded, academic professional appointments subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. Positions may become regular positions at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience. Applications must be received by June 30, 2016. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board to complete an online profile and to upload 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 résumé/CV, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references. All requested information/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, Illinois State Geological Survey/Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (http://inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu/). The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.