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. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.
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. Position is based in Savoy, Illinois.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- 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 occur in both rural and urban settings, some of which may be under adverse conditions (e.g., inclement weather, remoteness, site security concerns, moderate physical exertion, heavy traffic, and potentially unknown hazardous materials), and will include overnight travel for up to one work week at a time.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- 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.
- 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.
Required 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. 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. 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. Valid driver’s license.
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.
This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. 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.
