Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Data
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), which investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources, is seeking a Senior Environmental Data Specialist who will administer research activities and database management for the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) Surveys by assisting the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) staff in coordinating database management specific to Illinois Department of Transportation projects. This position will be stationed in Springfield, IL as an embedded position with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve on committees related to IDOT’s project development processes.
- Participates in workgroups related to IDOT’s database that tracks compliance with environmental laws.
- Ensures prompt retrieval of data and proper function of the IDOT’s environmental database used by IDOT, PRI, and consultants.
- Research end-user's approach to accessing environmental data relative to IDOT’s compliance with environmental laws and PRI’s survey work.
- Research ways to expedite IDOT’s environmental process and streamline PRI’s survey work.
- Research policy consistency concerning IDOT’s environmental process.
- Combine extensive technical knowledge to analyze database issues and interact on an equal footing with trained professionals from other agencies and establish professional credibility with representatives from other agencies.
- Create training for the implementation of IDOT’s environmental database.
- Communicate frequently, both verbally and in writing, with the Illinois Department of Transportation bureau staff, district environmental coordinators, district project coordinators, and other central office personnel. External contacts include local government highway officials, state and federal regulatory staff including but not limited to US EPA, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Federal Highway Administration, and the public.
- Serves as communication liaison between IDOT and PRI.
- Maintain and develop current knowledge on applicable state and federal environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as they apply to IDOT’s environmental review process.
- Attend professional and scientific meetings, conferences, and training sessions to further expertise in database management and environmental laws.
- Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments of state and federal laws, protections, regulations, policies, and procedures as they pertain to IDOT’s environmental review process.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of two years of professional experience and one year of experience in transportation-related government agency work. Experience with organizing and coordinating information from and for multiple sources. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in environmental science, or related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines of vast importance. Ability to research, format, compose, and present studies, reports, and recommendations. Must be able to apply policies and procedures on a project-by-project basis. Ability to summarize information and prepare brief reports. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases including mapping software such as GIS, Access database, creating flowcharts, and the creation of new databases. Working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and how they apply to IDOT’s project development. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Experience reading and interpreting topographic maps, soil information, and other sources of geographic information. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a broad audience, and experience in federal and state environmental policy administration.
Environmental Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Some mobility is required for accessing records and typical copying duties. Periodic travel to field offices within Illinois is required. Occasional overnight travel may occur.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The starting salary is $55,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 25, 2024. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/10848?c=illinois by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Wendy Schelsky at schelsky@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
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, COVID-19 vaccination requirements, 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. 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.