University of Illinois Hiring for Visiting Scientific Specialist, Wetlands Geology – Illinois State Geological Survey – 1009670 at Lisle, Illinois Full Time

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more
information, please see:
https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/10810480 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/

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action
employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,
national origin, disability, or veteran status. For more information,
visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO

ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Wetlands
Geology (up to 2 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, and 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 over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 pounds.

Collect water samples, water-quality parameters, and water level data.

Secure field datasets and water samples according to data handling
protocols.

Install and survey 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 Survey and PRI 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 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 Survey and PRI 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 depe ding 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