This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12335768 Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher

Illinois State Geological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois 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 Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessment Researcher (up to 5 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 protect workers and public safety, to reduce IDOT\'s liability, and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

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 poten ial 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 amount for this position is \$60,000 to \$65,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also consideri