at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Community Research, Engagement, & OutreachCarbon Capture, Environmental Contaminants, & Sustainable Technologies
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) is seeking to hire an Community Research Specialist (Official Title: Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Community Research) to conduct qualitative research in communities related to the topics of carbon capture, environmental contaminants, and sustainable technologies. Create outreach materials for in-house and community events.
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. 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. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/
Job Summary
Conduct qualitative research in communities related to the topics of carbon capture, environmental contaminants, and sustainable technologies. Create outreach materials for in-house and community events.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Research (50%) Assist in proposal development for research grant opportunities. o Work with the Community Engagement Team to develop Community Benefits Plans for the US Department of Energy grants and other federal/state/private grants. Begin developing network of contacts for community engagement and to conduct multi-disciplinary research. Assist with the implementation of quantitative research with in-person techniques like community focus groups or interviews around the US and/or online techniques on topics such as: o Carbon management: carbon capture, utilization, transport, and sequestration o environmental contaminants o waste to energy or valuable products. Assist in conducting quantitative research, statistical analysis, etc. as needed. Work with and/or mentor student researchers on projects, as needed.
- Engagement/Outreach (45%) Co-lead community meetings related to carbon management or other sustainability topics. Develop outreach reach materials such as posters, factsheets/one-pagers/flyers, simple website/videos/social media related content for in-house and community events. Lead or co-lead ISTC's sustainability seminar series on topics related to ISTC's work. Co-lead or assist with workshops, conferences, symposia.
- Other (5%) Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Fieldwork locations may not have access to the internet and some remote locations may not have indoor plumbing.
Minimum Qualifications
Senior Scientific Specialist: MA/MS with no professional experience; or BA/BS with ≥2 yrs. professional experience. Preferred degrees and/or professional experience in natural resources & environmental sciences, public/environmental policy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, urban planning, education, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position. Valid Driver's License. Willingness to conduct fieldwork that requires overnight travel (~35% when grants are established).
Preferred Qualifications
This position is in-person at ISTC's Champaign office.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. 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.
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 Friday, August 23rd, 2024; however, this search may 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: 1025635
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
