Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher - Illinois State Geological Sur

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher

Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This position is located in Champaign, 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 (up to 3 hires 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.

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 ur