VISITING Environmental Program Development Specialist
ILLINOIS SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Full-Time (12 Month Appointment)
Job Description: The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. PRI houses 5 large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology and archaeology.
Our Mission is to encourage and assist citizens, businesses, and government agencies to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste to protect human health and the environment of Illinois and beyond.
ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse. ISTC is seeking a Visiting Environmental Program Development Specialist.
Primary Position Function/Summary: Track emerging issues related to water, public health, and the environment; building relationships and collaborations across commercial, public, and private sectors; and leverage funds from the center’s Hazardous Waste Research Fund (HWRF) and other funding sources that allow the Prairie Research Institute to expand its efforts and solve important environmental issues.
Job Responsibilities:
- Identify and present emerging research needs, trend setting ideas, policies, or technologies for HWRF/ISTC to examine by researching organization websites, publications, announcements, and news events.
- Develop new contacts and collaborations related to those needs, within environmental and other organizations, businesses, communities, and government/policy and university/scientific entities.
- Foster further collaborations with researchers and staff at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center {ISTC) and the other surveys of the Prairie Research Institute {PRI) and beyond to enhance HWRF effectiveness.
- Seek funding opportunities, partnerships, and grant prospects for research scientists/Pis on topics such as pollution prevention, reduction of hazardous chemicals/hazardous waste, contaminants, water quality, and protection of groundwater.,
- Prepare documents and other communications on these topics for administrators and others at ISTC, PRI staff, and external clients.
- Assist with significant aspects of projects as a liaison between ISTC and other entities we are working with.
- Facilitate technology transfer by working with ISTC researchers to find organizations interested in testing, piloting, or adopting developed technology/research.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead undergraduate students, graduate students, hourly workers and interns to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, on-going performance management with coaching and feedback and travel/leave approval.
- Keep abreast of development in this discipline
- Participate in outreach and service events.
- Perform other tasks as needed to enhance the overall goals and mission of ISTC and PRI.
- Local and regional travel will be required; attending meetings, conferences, workshops both locally and regionally {up to 30%).
Job Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or business degree with science/engineering coursework. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
Preferred: MBA or Master’s degree in related field.
Experience:
Required: A minimum of 3 years of experience working in environmental consulting, donor relations, grant solicitation, or similar fields. Proven track record with clients or donors, building relationships, and obtaining project funding.
Preferred: Five or more years of experience working in environmental consulting, donor relations, grant solicitation, or similar fields. At least one year of project management experience. One year supervisory experience.
Required: Valid driver’s license
Knowledge Requirements:
Required: Knowledge of current sustainability issues within public and private sectors including industrial, business, and communities such as water quality, hazardous waste reduction, green chemistry, contaminants, groundwater, and protection of the environment. Familiar with IL universities, businesses, and organizations. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent public speaking skills and inter-personal skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and database applications. Conscientious worker with attention to detail. Ability to communicate technical ideas to non-technical audiences.
This is a visiting full-time position paid on a 12-month basis. Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need.
To apply: Application procedures: Please complete your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and the contact information for three professional references must be received by February 27, 2018. Interviews may be conducted before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.
For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Hannah Dorsey at (217) 333-4978 or hdorsey@illinois.edu.
