Job Description

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Wetlands 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 https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Wetlands Geology (up to 3 depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to participate in specialized assessment and monitoring of the hydrogeology and geochemistry of wetlands, streams, bioswales, and other related environments. This position is for a specialist dedicated to field data collection and analysis to support Illinois state agencies under their environmental programs, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This position will support the analysis and reporting for compliance with various federal (e.g., Clean Water Act) and state regulatory programs.  Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct field operations. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and traveling up to 60 percent 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 weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
Collect water samples, water-quality parameters, and water level data.
Secure field datasets and water samples according to data handling protocols.
Install, survey, and maintain wells, stream gauges, and other field monitoring equipment.
Assist in the development of field monitoring plans, making boreholes, and describing sediments.
Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
Add to program and project databases and knowledge through production, storage, and analysis of contract- produced data.
Perform quality assurance/quality control through reviewing data and reports.
Periodically evaluate standards and methodology and recommend program improvements.
Assist in the evaluation of design of water-quality best management practices (BMPs), wetland restoration and creation sites, and other related issues.
Contribute to reports for site screening, characterization, and long-term monitoring of wetland mitigation sites, preserves for threatened and endangered species, and other natural areas.
Communicate results of investigations primarily to contract sponsors, but also to stakeholders and other scientists.
Attend scientific conferences and training courses and present papers and results.
Represent the University of Illinois, Prairie Research Institute, and the Illinois State Geological Survey at meetings and other venues in areas of expertise.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other duties, as needed, to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in geology, physical geography, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience conducting onsite field surveys. Experience collecting data in a field setting. Experience translating technical information into written reports or presentations. Valid driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in geology, physical geography, or related discipline. 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:  Must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with coworkers. Ability to develop and maintain working relationships and teamwork skills. Ability to describe geologic materials. Familiarity with reading and interpreting aerial photographs and geologic and topographic maps. Must have scientific knowledge and skills necessary to collect and analyze field data for the completion of hydrogeologic and geochemical studies. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate research findings to co-workers, supervisors, contract sponsors, and other scientists and stakeholders. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to execute field and office tasks and operate independently at times, specifically in field settings. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Work Environment: This position will take place in both office and field settings.  Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and traveling up to 60 percent 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 weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.

Appointment Information: This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment.  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.  The minimum starting salary is $55,000.

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 Procedure and Deadline Information:  Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central on May 3, 2024.   Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search.   To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.  Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lw******@il******.edu or 217-244-2401.  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, 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 ac***********@il******.edu.

Requisition ID: 1023620
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: geology and wetlands. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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