Senior Scientific Specialist, Water Supply Planning - ISWS / PRI
University of Illinois

Senior Scientific Specialist, Water Supply Planning - ISWS / PRI

Prairie Research Institute

Job Summary
The Illinois State Water Survey Groundwater Science Section, a research institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is seeking an individual to work on Water Supply Planning efforts of evaluating the sustainability of groundwater resources throughout the state of Illinois. The successful candidate must possess strong communication skills, scientific literacy, and the ability to present and visualize scientific results to a variety of audiences, including stakeholders, scientists, project sponsors, elected officials, and the general public.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Engagement, Outreach, and Communication - 50% Attend in-person and remote water supply planning meetings throughout the state of Illinois. Identify needs and develop methods to facilitate better communication between scientists, stakeholders, and sponsors. Prepare content for stakeholder meetings, including graphics/figures, surveys, and maps for local, regional, and statewide analyses of sustainable water resources. Assist in the development of both technical and non-technical reports. Coordinate with water supply planning staff to increase efficiency of tasks.
• Data Analysis and Preparation - 40% Work with senior staff to develop interpretations of groundwater flow models and ideas on how results can be disseminated to the public. Assist senior staff with developing meaningful scenarios to simulate in groundwater flow models. Understand data that informs water supply recommendations by the Illinois State Water Survey, such as water use and water level changes over time. Ability to comprehend scientific literature and apply insights to water supply planning efforts.
• Other - 10% Attend professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars. Travel, including overnight(s), to meet project needs, including attending meetings and assisting senior staff with project-related sampling or data retrieval. Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Groundwater Science Section.

Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting. This position requires at least three days a week in office and will require sharing an office space. Frequent day trips and occasional overnight trips are required to attend meetings with stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

MA/MS in GIS, Urban Planning, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position, particularly with regards to scientific communication. Valid Driver's License Training in scientific communication. Experience working in a team setting. Must be able to provide a writing sample and an example PowerPoint presentation. Willingness to learn basic skills in software such as Adobe Illustrator, ArcGIS Pro, and Python.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with Adobe Illustrator or a similar graphics design software. Demonstrated history of scientific outreach, community engagement, or scientific writing. Experience with ArcGIS Pro. Experience with Python.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• This position needs an individual who can apply discussions with stakeholders and project sponsors to improve workflow and deliverables back at the Groundwater Section. This includes the following attributes: • Professional interest in water resources and scientific communication. • Discern how water supply planning deliverables can be communicated better. • 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, and leadership skills. • Strong listening skills and willingness to understand diverse perspectives. • Experience drafting written reports.

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 after 1/16/2024. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on December 3, 2023. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jonathan Freiman 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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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: 1020667
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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