Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher – IL State Geological Survey – 1027158-6689

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more
information, please see:
https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12264811 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. IDOTs
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 IDOTs 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 :

Bachelors 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 drivers license.

Preferred :

Masters 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