at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Technical SustainabilityIllinois Sustainable Technology Center
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) is seeking to hire a Technical Sustainability Professional (Official Title: Visiting Scientific Specialist, Technical (entry level) 1021853 or Senior Scientific Specialist, Technical (higher level) 1018252) to collaborate with businesses, manufacturing, and industrial entities as well as municipal agencies, colleges, and universities throughout Illinois to improve sustainability, provide technical assistance in identifying opportunities and implementing sustainable solutions associated with materials, processes, water and wastewater, energy utilization, waste minimization and recycling.
The Technical Assistant Program (TAP) https://tap.istc.illinois.edu/ of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center ( ISTC ) 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. ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/
Duties and Responsibilities
• Analyze data from pollution prevention assessments and identify opportunities for environmental savings.
• Target the triple bottom-line (People, Planet and Profit) by promoting identified opportunities and sustainable practices for businesses, municipalities, and state and federal agencies using research and assessment data.
• Develop business cases for implementation of sustainable practices using data collection.
• Collect, compile and document environmental outcomes and project outputs.
• Prepare project reports for funding sponsors.
• Identify and secure clients within Illinois' business, government, and not-for profit arenas. These clients could include the Survey's current network of clients, consultants, vendors, local/state and federal agencies and private, environmental, and sustainability organizations.
• Conduct on-site pollution prevention assessments independently and in conjunction with representatives from the Survey and partner agencies. Identify material and process optimization; water conservation; energy efficiency; renewable energy and waste minimization opportunities within client facilities.
• Prepare and present reports to clients.
• Assist clients with facilitation and implementation of Survey recommended opportunities using research and assessment data.
• Participate in pilot-scale projects for innovative technology demonstrations in the area of industrial waste minimization, energy and water conservation, and renewable energy. Collect, process, and analyze data from these activities for the purposes of identifying suitable technologies for introduction to businesses and organizations.
• Present technical reports/papers/data to clients and at professional events/conferences regarding services and/or research results.
• Prepare and disseminate technical reports and publications to be published in professional journals, newsletters, peer-reviewed journals, etc.
• Assist with research, data gathering and analysis, content development, and publications.
• Keep abreast of development in this discipline.
• Work jointly with a number of varied constituencies while observing standards of professional conduct.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI and University.
Minimum Requirements
For entry level Visiting Scientific Specialist level: Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated experience managing projects. Knowledge and experience with process efficiency and sustainability principles and practices. Valid driver's license.
For higher level Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist level: Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least two years of related industrial or business experience with bachelor's degree. Demonstrated experience managing projects. Knowledge and experience with process efficiency and sustainability principles and practices. Valid driver's license.
Preferred Requirements
Master's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing environmental projects with or within industrial and manufacturing sectors. Experience with partner engagement and networking. Experience in helping develop projects that lead to contracts. Experience in understanding, identifying, and satisfying customer needs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Mid to high level Microsoft Excel proficiency/data synthesis and willingness to learn technical concepts. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff and PRI clients. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Preferred: Knowledge of technology demonstrations and pilot trials. Working knowledge of environmental and safety regulations. Knowledge of zero waste concepts and implementation methodologies and systems.
Working Environment
The work of this position takes place both in an office setting and visiting sites in an industrial setting. At times, lifting and carrying items in excess of 35 pounds may be required. Some work may need to be performed in less than ideal conditions, including a wide range of temperatures and conditions within facilities. Some of the work requires travel to field offices and industry locations. Occasional overnight travel may occur.
Appointment Information: This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment renewable annually based on satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. Salary is commensurate with qualifications & experience, while also considering internal equity. The minimum starting salary for the entry level Scientific Specialist level is $55,000. The minimum starting salary for the higher level Senior Scientific Specialist position is $62,000.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedure and Deadline Information: For full consideration, please apply by 6:00 p.m. Central on February 29th, 2024 (extended); however, this search will remain open until the position is filled. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Interviews may occur before the close date but no decisions or offers will be made until after.
For further information please contact Jon Freiman, Human Resources Business Partner, Prairie Research Institute, at jcf@illinois.edu or 217-244-2687. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1021853
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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