at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
GIS SpecialistIllinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an experienced GIS Specialist (Official Title: Senior Scientific Specialist, Geospatial Science ) to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technical support and specialized production process support for the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP). The focus is on preparing databases, maps, and reports for state and federal programs, contributing significantly to hazard assessment and mapping initiatives.
The ISWS CHAMP group has many funded projects that assess local flood hazards, identify high-risk areas, and engage community partners to inform, educate, and empower others to take action in preventing losses from natural hazards. CHAMP is a Cooperating Technical Partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency creating maps and products as reflected on https://illinoisfloodmaps.org/ .
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 .
Duties & Responsibilities :
• Assemble, integrate, analyze, compile, and display information and data from a variety of sources in a digital format using GIS and engineering related software.
• Collaborate to write proposals, conduct research and geospatial analyses, prepare reports, and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with GIS staff, engineers, and other CHAMP staff to apply GIS software to produce deliverables and meet project deadlines.
• Document production workflows and procedures and train CHAMP staff.
• Provide comments to FEMA on proposed changes to Program Standards, Technical References, Guidance documents, and/or Templates.
• Initiate adjustments to workflows to ensure continued compliance with federal and state standards and guidelines.
• Coordinate with staff Geospatial Application Developer to increase automation and efficiency of tasks.
• Extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from multiple sources to a specified database schema.
• Develop expertise in federal and state systems for submitting contract deliverables and reporting project metrics.
• Assist with project proposals and grant applications, including scope, budget, and schedule
• Provide technical information to federal, state, and local agencies.
• Present data in an exciting and accessible manner.
• Participate in external meetings with agency staff, local officials, and consulting engineers.
• Prepare exhibits and visual aids for community meetings.
• Create technical content for presentation on project websites.
• Participate in University, PRI, ISWS, and CHAMP public outreach and service events.
• Maintain Certification as a Floodplain Manager (CFM).
• Maintain Geographic Information Systems Professional certification (GISP).
• Attend professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars.
• Deliver presentations at professional conferences and meetings.
• Travel, including overnight(s), to attend professional conferences and meetings.
• Continue education to develop/enhance skills related to project task, process, and management.
• Continue education to develop/enhance leadership skills to further career progression.
• Serve on search committees for technical positions.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University.
• Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Position Requirements and Qualifications :
Education:
Required: BA/BS in GIS, Geospatial Science, GIScience, Urban Planning, Geography, Geology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
Preferred: MA/MS in GIS, Geospatial Science, GIScience, Urban Planning, Geography, Geology, or related field.
Experience:
Required: 4 to 8 years professional experience working in the geospatial technology industry. Experience with the latest version of Esri's ArcGIS software. Experience preparing web maps (including html/CSS, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcGIS server). Familiarity with Esri's geoprocessing tools, Python scripting (including Esri's ArcPy and script tools).
Preferred: 8 years professional work experience in the geospatial technology industry. Knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) regulatory and Flood Risk Products (FRP). Familiarity with FEMA Risk MAP process, deliverables, and reporting systems. Experience with FEMA's Hazus software, building valuation, damage assessment, or economic analysis. Knowledge of hazard mitigation planning, risk assessments, or community technical assistance programs. Familiarity with NCEI's Storm Events Database, SHELDUS, or First Street Foundation flood datasets. Experience processing big data in Python and ArcGIS. Expertise in researching natural hazards and societal impacts and presenting data in an exciting and accessible manner.
Training, Licenses, Certifications:
Required: Valid Driver's License
Preferred: Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
Knowledge Requirements:
Intermediate to advanced proficiency using ArcGIS products, including ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro. Experience using ArcGIS Online and web-mapping tools. Comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of GIS analysis and the methods and techniques of designing and maintaining GIS databases. Possess working knowledge of writing and executing database queries.
Strong background producing map products. Strong data management skills. Experience drafting written reports. Possess working knowledge of Microsoft products (including, but not limited to, Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Prefer knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) regulatory and Flood Risk Products. Awareness of FEMA Risk MAP process, deliverables, and reporting systems. Familiarity with Hydraulic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) hydraulic modeling files and associated RASPLOT software for flood profile generation. Knowledge of FEMA Standards, Guidance, and Technical References for development of regulatory and Flood Risk Products.
Prefer knowledge of hazard mitigation planning, risk assessments, or community technical assistance programs. Familiarity with NCEI's Storm Events Database, SHELDUS, or First Street Foundation flood datasets. Knowledge of social vulnerability indices (SVI, SoVI, NRI, EJI, CDRZ, RAPT, CLIMrr) and integration into other datasets.
Surveying, building valuation, risk analysis, and/or damage assessment experience preferred. Knowledge of FEMA's Hazus software, building assessments, economic analysis, web mapping skills (html/CSS, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcGIS server). Data processing/management, python scripting, GIS, and Computer Science background. Experience working with the US Census Bureau's GIS Mapping files / TIGER spatial data and attributes. Awareness of the USGS National Map suite of products and services including the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).
Strong ability to work effectively in a team structure and complete tasks in a timely fashion under minimal supervision. 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. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Personal and professional interest in natural resources and the application of geospatial technologies to further scientific research.
Environmental Demands:
The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Travel is required to attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and conduct site visits.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted amount for this position is $65,000 to $75,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position
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 Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, September 9th, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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 about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner at jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application
process, 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: 1025634
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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