Visiting Environmental Assessments Specialist

The Prairie Research Institute is a unique, highly strategic asset for the State of Illinois. The Institute's high-impact applied research and service continues to expand at a brisk pace, our grant and contract funding more than doubling over just a few years. The Institute's State Scientific Surveys employ over 1,000 people.

Position Overview:

We are seeking individuals (up to 5), to perform environmental site assessments and evaluate potential environmental hazards and risks for Illinois Department of Transportation infrastructure improvement projects.

These are visiting, full-time, contract-funded, benefits-eligible, academic professional appointments subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic needs. Positions may become regular positions at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable after the closing date.

Responsibilities:

These positions will involve conducting on-site inspections and interviews; collecting, reviewing, and evaluating site-specific historical, geological, and environmental data as well as regulatory file information; synthesizing and analyzing collected data; writing reports detailing the findings; and participating in other geologic/environmental research.

Qualifications:

A background in the geosciences or environmental sciences with a bachelor's degree in geology, environmental science, engineering geology, civil or environmental engineering, physical geography, or related discipline. Individuals working toward a bachelor's degree may be considered, but the degree must be obtained by the starting date.

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 using a specific approved format.

Ability to prioritize, organize, and handle heavy workloads with multiple deadlines. Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making. Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships. Ability and willingness to effectively contribute and lead as part of a team. Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software.

Ability to work independently with off-site supervision. Ability to travel, including up to a work week of consecutive nights of overnight travel, and conduct field work, some of which may be under less than ideal conditions (inclement weather, remoteness, site security concerns, moderate physical exertion, heavy traffic). Must have a valid driver's license.

Must 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 (all provided at the expense of the project). Must be willing, with appropriate training, to work in areas of potentially unknown hazardous materials.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience.

Deadline: Applications must be received by November 16, 2012.

To Apply:

To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of application which details qualifications noted above, a résumé, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of 3 professional references.

All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Illinois State Geological Survey.

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.