Full Time Geoscience Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher
IllinoisState Geological Survey
PrairieResearch Institute
Universityof Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This position is located in Champaign,Illinois.
The IllinoisState Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving theneeds of the public, government, and industry with earth science informationand research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economicvitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrallylocated between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISGS isseeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental AssessmentResearcher (up to 3 hires depending on applicant pool and programmaticneed) to performsponsored research on environmental assessments. The assessments will involve evaluatingpotential environmental and geologic hazards and risks for Illinois Departmentof Transportation (IDOT) infrastructure improvement projects. IDOT'sinfrastructure projects range in size and can involve anything from a singleproperty to hundreds of properties across many miles of existing or futurehighways. IDOT uses the assessmentscompleted by ISGS to protect workers and public safety, to reduce IDOT's liability,and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research - Data Analysis/Interpretation

• Interpret, analyze, and summarize the collected geologic and environmental data and information pertaining to potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks related to environmental site assessments.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports detailing the findings of the assessments, site-specific historical information, and regulatory information.
• Provide technical information to government agencies.
• Participate in other geologic/environmental research and initiatives.

Research - Field Work/Data Collection

• Obtain, research, and analyze geological maps, regulatory files, site-specific historical data, and environmental data.
• Conduct statewide on-site field research as well as interviews with representatives of industry, government agencies, and landowners.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Outreach and Other

• Participate in outreach and service events.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

MinimumQualifications
Required: Bachelor'sdegree in the geosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will beconsidered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as itrelates to this position. Background inthe geosciences or environmental sciences with experience performingfieldwork. Ability to adhere to the IDOTproperty assessment program health and safety plan, which includes having oracquiring 40-hour OSHA hazardous waste site worker training, followed by 8-hourannual refresher training, and undergoing annual physical examinations as partof the medical monitoring program for hazardous waste site workers. Valid driver's license.
Preferred: Master'sdegree in the geosciences or environmental sciences. Alternate degree fields will beconsidered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as itrelates to this position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Abilityto interpret maps. Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret datafrom various information sources. Ability to evaluate potential environmentalhazards and risks. Ability to write comprehensive technical reports. Ability toprioritize, organize, and handle heavy workloads with multiple deadlines.Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making. Effective communication,personal relations, collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills.Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Working Conditions
Fieldworkwill require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects,remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to30% of the time (including driving to and from research sites) throughout thestate of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnighttravel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, andmanipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to25 pounds.
AppointmentInformation
This is a full-time visiting academic professionalappointment. Position may become a regular position at a later datedepending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted salary amountfor this position is $60,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate withqualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Itis not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top ofthe full range for a position.
Please note that interviews may take place before the close of the jobad. No offers will be extended until after the close of the jobadvertisement.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for workauthorization.
Benefits
The University of Illinois offersa 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 & DeadlineInformation
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, June 18, 2026. To apply: please select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through thiswebsite will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) coverletter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relatesto 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 regardingthe application process, including technical issues, please contact217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1036554
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu