Menu

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Monitoring - PRI / ISWS - 1022976-6689

at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Environmental Monitoring
Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs .

ISWS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Monitoring to support research activities of the Survey by providing research and technical support to the Water & Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program networks.

Job Summary
Support research activities of the Survey by provide research and technical support to the Water & Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program networks.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Research -Field Work -75%
    Install, maintain, calibrate, and test scientific instruments and equipment for the Illinois Climate Network (ICN).
    Maintain documentation including equipment inventory and instrument installation, maintenance, and calibration records to ensure the integrity of data collections.
    Develop and implement QA/QC protocols to ensure the integrity of data collected.
  • Research - Data Collection - 15% Collect samples and monitor water levels for the Benchmark Sediment Network. Measure water levels for WARM wells located at ICN stations. Keep abreast with technical innovations and advise Survey management.
  • Research - Shop Management - 5%
    Manage Survey research shop and ensure equipment used for research meets required specifications.
    Manage equipment inventory and work with manager on ordering and maintaining adequate supplies.
  • Other - 5% Perform other duties in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Physical Demands
  • Standing : Frequently
  • Walking : Constantly
  • Sitting : Occasionally
  • Lifting/Carrying : Frequently
  • Pushing/Pulling : Frequently
  • Climbing : Frequently
  • Balancing : Occasionally
  • Bending/Stooping : Frequently
  • Kneeling : Frequently
  • Squatting/Crouching : Frequently
  • Grip/Dexterity : Frequently
  • Physical Exertion : Frequently
  • Working Conditions
  • Extreme cold : Occasionally
  • Extreme heat : Occasionally
  • Humidity : Frequently
  • Wet : Occasionally
  • Temperature Changes : Occasionally
  • Inclement Weather : Rarely
  • Heights : Frequently
  • Additional Physical Demands
    Field work will require working alone in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state
    of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to climb 10m tower and work from heights for extended periods
    of time.

    Travel Requirements
    40% Travel to monitoring sites to conduct maintenance.

    Minimum Qualifications

    BS degree in natural or physical sciences, industrial technology, engineering, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience or coursework in environmental monitoring and instrumentation. Valid Driver's License

    Preferred Qualifications

    Tower Safety and Rescue Training
    Two years experience in installation and maintenance of environmental instrumentation. Experience in the collection and handling of field samples including
    maintaining documentation. Experience with electronics and basic computer coding. Experience in a machine shop setting.

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
    • Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fastpaced 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.
    Appointment Information: This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment renewable annually based on satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The 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 is $45,000.

    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 March 22, 2024; 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: 1022976
    Job Category: Research
    Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

    Copy Link

    Job Posting: 11886043

    Posted On: May 14, 2024

    Updated On: Jun 13, 2024

    Please Wait ...