Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher

 Illinois State Geological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This position is located in Lisle, Illinois.

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 Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessment Researcher to perform sponsored research on environmental assessments.  The assessments will involve evaluating 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 assessments completed by ISGS to protect workers and public safety, to reduce IDOT's liability, and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation

• 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.
• Provide technical information to government agencies.
• Participate in other geologic/environmental research and initiatives.

Research – Field Work/Data Collection

• 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.  
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment. 

Outreach and Other

• Participate in outreach and service events.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

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 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:  

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Working Conditions:

Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to 30% of the time (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 25 pounds.

Appointment Information:

This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment.  Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need.  The budgeted salary amount for this position is $60,000. 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.
 
 Please note that interviews may take place before the close of the job ad.  No offers will be extended until after the close of the job advertisement.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. 

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, April 22, 2026.  To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16617?c=illinois 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.