Job description
Urbana, IL
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
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.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.
ISGS is seeking to hire aVisiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher(up to five, depending on applicant pool and programmatic need)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 assess each project’s needs, plan the agency’s short-term and long-term needs, assist in land acquisition decisions, and promote awareness of natural and man-made hazards that may affect the project and its construction. Position is based in Savoy, Illinois.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
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. Fieldwork will occur in both rural and urban settings, some of which may be under adverse conditions (e.g. inclement weather, remoteness, site security concerns, moderate physical exertion, heavy traffic, and potentially unknown hazardous materials), and will include overnight travel for up to one work week at a time.
Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
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.
Participate in other geologic/environmental research and initiatives.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.
Required Qualifications: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 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. Ability to adhere to the IDOT property assessment program health and safety plan, which includes having or acquiring40-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.
This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. 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.
How to apply
Applications must be received byApril 17, 2020.Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search. To apply, please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board to complete an online profile and to upload 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 rsum/CV, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references. All requested information/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 ********@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility
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