Scientific Specialist, Geospatial Science - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI
University of Illinois

GIS Analyst
Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an entry level GIS Analyst (Official Title: 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 .

Job Summary
This position provides Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technical research 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research - 80%
  • 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.
• Engagement and Outreach - 10%
  • 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.
• Other - 10%
  • Attain Certification as Floodplain Manager when eligible (CFM).
  • Achieve Geographic Information Systems Professional certification (GISP) when eligible.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Physical Demands

Walking : Occasionally

Stairs : Occasionally

Sitting : Frequently

Lifting/Carrying : Occasionally

Pushing/Pulling : Occasionally

Climbing : Occasionally

Balancing : Occasionally

Bending/Stooping : Occasionally

Kneeling : Occasionally

Squatting/Crouching : Occasionally

Working Conditions

Extreme cold : Occasionally

Extreme heat : Occasionally

Humidity : Occasionally

Wet : Occasionally

Noise : Occasionally

Hazards : Occasionally

Fumes/Particles/Allergens : Occasionally

Toxic, Caustic Chemicals : Occasionally

Temperature Changes : Occasionally

Inclement Weather : Occasionally

Additional Physical 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. Description too Large. Unable to load this field
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 salary range for this position is $50,000 to $60,000. 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 Sunday September 22nd 2024 (Extended). 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: 1026206
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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