Associate Research Scientist, Geographic Information Science - Illinois State Geological Survey
University of Illinois

Associate Research Scientist, Geographic Information Science
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 https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISGS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Geographic Information Science to assist, collaborate with, and coordinate activities of an interdisciplinary project team to conduct geospatial analysis of geologic, engineering, environmental, and societal datasets, facilitate access to geospatial data and analysis products internally and on the web, and develop map and data products to translate complex geological and social analysis into decision support-input and community engagement tools that are easy to understand. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Contribute to and coordinate staff tasks to analyze, manipulate, convert, and transform geographic data in support of project objectives and deliverables.
Produce and/or review map products that are publication quality and conform to cartographic standards.
Prepare and perform quality control on project deliverables including reports and publications, transferring geodatabases to project sponsors, making presentations, and maintaining web applications for public data dissemination.
Add to Survey and PRI databases and knowledge through production, storage, and analysis of contract produced data.
Prepare and compile comprehensive and detailed metadata for data documentation and data applications, including description of their use in workflows.
Assist and consult with management, researchers, and staff on geospatial data management.
Train and mentor staff and/or students.
Collaborate with team to identify research opportunities and contribute to development of proposals to support such opportunities.
Work with geoscientists to learn and apply data analytics tools to geological/geospatial datasets.
Work with team members to ensure that project data is compiled, standardized, and catalogued.
Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for publication in Survey publications.
Occasionally travel to conduct field work and attend meetings.
Foster public-private partnerships among research organizations, industry, and relevant stakeholders.
Digitize and georeference historical records and geospatial data.
Research and acquire open-source geospatial data related to project needs.
Use spatial analysis, statistics, historical records, and other methods to perform quality control on maps and geospatial datasets.
Compile tabular data and translate tabular databases into geospatial formats.
Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the public.
Prepare and/or review graphics and GIS files for distribution on the web.
Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international levels.
Represent the Survey and PRI at meetings and other venues in areas of expertise.
Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in geology or geographic information science. Alternate degree fields in the sciences (e.g., natural resources, environmental science, engineering, computer science, data science, information science) will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 10 years related professional experience with a bachelor's degree. At least 8 years related professional experience required with a master's degree. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in geology or geographic information science. Alternate degree fields the sciences (e.g., natural resources, environmental science, engineering, computer science, data science, information science) will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Required: Esri ArcGIS software experience, including ability to update geodatabases in ArcGIS Pro, manage data in ArcCatalog, utilize Product Libraries and various data editing toolbars. Conceptual understanding of relational databases and query development. Ability to follow and develop written workflows. Ability to provide or review detailed written documentation including program reports, standards-compliant metadata, software instructions, standards, and specifications in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. Effective communication, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Aptitude 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. Affinity for cooperative and interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Preferred: Knowledge of modern scripting/programming languages commonly used in geospatial data processing and analytical research (e.g., Python, R), geology, engineering, natural resources, statistical methods. Familiarity with innovative methods of data manipulation and analyses (machine learning, AI, etc.) and their applications in mapping applied research. Knowledge of project management methods and organizational/communication techniques in the training of staff or coordination of staff activities.

Work Environment: This position will take place in an office setting. Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, and workshops with rare field visits will also be required, some of which may require overnight stays. Field visits may include less than ideal conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic).

Appointment Information: This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $90,000.

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: Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central on May 10, 2024. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. 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 (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. 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: 1024345
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu