Senior Scientific Specialist, Geology
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 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.
ISGS is seeking to hire a Senior Scientific Specialist to participate in research with the technical team to develop written earth science educational materials tailored to a variety of audiences. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois.
Duties and Responsibilities:
60% Research
- Perform research to assist with the development of the earth science educational materials related to subsurface energy storage and extraction projects. Topics of research will include subsurface geology, reservoir geology, environmental and energy policy, and public acceptance.
- Acquire technical information through independent reading, collaboration with subject-matter experts, observation of tests and experiments, and interpretation of diagrams. Present this information in a manner easily understood by the intended audience.
- Develop earth science educational materials for a variety of audiences (e.g., K-12 learners, educators, and the public) based on material and technical publications prepared by subject matter experts; review the material for clarity and consistency following policy and style requirements.
- Develop or edit materials tailored to specific media and audiences, using knowledge of materials previously released or in process to avoid repetition or contradictions.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead undergraduate students, graduate students, and hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and travel approval.
- Research methods for leveraging past and current reports using AI (e.g., LLMs) to enhance discoverability of technical information.
- Create and maintain production schedules for presentations, reports, and maps.
- Edit articles for publication, often doing substantial rewriting.
20% Graphical Data Presentation
- Scan and digitize technical diagrams.
- Research and develop technical diagrams related to project needs.
- Translate datasets into presentation-quality formats.
15% Engagement
- Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the public.
- Attend, participate in, and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.
5% Outreach and Other
- Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
- Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, or other research-based social sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At minimum of 2 years’ related industry or research experience with a bachelor’s degree, with demonstrated experience producing reports of compiled data and research. No related industry or research experience required with a master’s degree. Valid drivers’ license.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, or other research-based social sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years’ related industry or research experience in the petroleum or reservoir geology field with a master’s degree, with demonstrated experience producing reports of compiled data and research. Knowledge or familiarity with geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, and/or ArcGIS Online), modern scripting/programming languages commonly used in analytical research (e.g., Python, R), geology, engineering, natural resources, statistical methods. Familiarity with innovative methods of information synthesis (e.g., AI / LLMs, etc.) and their applications in developing written communications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Creativity. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and Adobe Illustrator (or similar). Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Geology or environmental science knowledge. Ability to develop and follow written workflows. Ability to assist in providing detailed written documentation including program reports, standards-compliant metadata, software instructions, standards, and specifications in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Aptitude 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. Affinity for cooperative and interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions.
Working Conditions:
This position will take place in an office setting. Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, workshops, and rare field visits will also be required, some of which may require overnight stays. Field visits may include less than ideal conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic). Travel time is up to 5% of the job with almost all domestic travel and primarily in Illinois and surrounding states.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted amount for this position is $70,000 to $80,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, November 13, 2024. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12239?c=illinois&referralToken=MX8lYTz4-EapwaM-jNL-bA and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. 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 (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, 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 requirement, 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.