Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Geology - Illinois State Geological Survey
University of Illinois

Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Geology

Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS 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 go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Geology to perform environmental assessment, environmental control, and perform original research regarding the environmental impact of ongoing projects pertinent to critical mineral exploration, development, production, beneficiation, separation, refining, and processing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Perform environmental analysis or, and research the impacts of, facilities for the extraction, processing, and refining of critical minerals.
• Perform site investigations and site background research for potential process facility locations.
• Design monitoring programs for potential extraction and process facilities.
• Implement existing, and develop new, protocols and systems for managing and reporting the environmental impact of critical minerals related projects.
• Develop assessments and perform original research on the interface between environmental issues and societal considerations and impacts (SCI) of critical minerals projects.
• Lead projects to study the environmental impacts and ramifications of future facilities for the extraction, separation, and production of rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials.
• Research and advise on regulatory frameworks as they apply to critical mineral and material facilities.
• Conduct laboratory analysis and characterization of materials or samples.
• Participate in the design, assembly, operation, and maintenance of experimental equipment and facilities.
• Document, interpret, and analyze experimental data.
• Prepare presentations, internal reports, and reports to sponsoring agencies.
• Publish the results of original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Identify emergent research needs and funding opportunities.
• Develop or contribute as key personnel to new proposals in response to government and industrial funding opportunities.
• Supervise and train project assistants, including students.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Engagement

• Lead or participate in Education and Outreach and SCI efforts in ongoing and new projects.
• Develop SCI deliverables by original research and relating environmental geology outputs to social considerations and impacts.
• Collaborate with PRI scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external partners to provide interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
• Attend, participate in, and contribute to professional conferences and workshops.

Other

• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Qualifications

Required :
Bachelor's degree in geology, environmental science, environmental 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. A minimum of two years of professional experience related to this position. Valid driver's license. Experience in environmental investigation and remediation including: RCRA and HSWA, site investigation and research, monitoring and testing program design, and remediation system design. Experience of material characterization and chemical analysis.

Preferred :
Master's degree in geology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience in preparing phase 1 and phase 2 investigations and reports, experience in legislative and regulation research and reporting, and experience in the environmental management of mining and industrial process sites is desirable. A professional engineer's or geologists license in the state of Illinois, or ability to obtain such a license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to design, assemble, and operate experimental facilities and equipment. Effective communication and interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment characterized by multiple and changing priorities, stringent deadlines, and minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, and governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Working Conditions
The work of this position takes place in office and chemical laboratory settings. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted amount for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. 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 p.m. (CST) Monday, November 11, 2024. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1053?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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: 1027363
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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