Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Soils Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas, and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS 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.
This Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) funded, long-term program (continuously funded annually since 1985) focuses on wetland determination, delineation, and mitigation throughout the state of Illinois. Personnel work in teams consisting of plant ecologists, soil scientists, and GNSS/GIS specialists to complete projects in areas identified by IDOT. This position will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, remoteness, working near high trafficked roadways and railroads), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, and working irregular hours and overnights; lift carry, manipulate field equipment and other items weighing 50 pounds over uneven terrain may be required. Overnight travel up to one work week may occasionally be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. Significant physical effort is often needed to take soil samples, including the ability to both insert and remove a probe in soil materials up to 580psi of penetration resistance. Employee must be able to safely drive work-provided vehicles, including large SUVs, in a variety of weather conditions and work environments.
INHS is seeking a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Soils (level is dependent on qualifications) ( up to two hires, depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing and conducting basic and applied research with an emphasis on the coordination and participation in wetland determinations, assessment, and monitoring. The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.
Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Soils responsibilities will include:
• Conduct on-site wetland determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of soil and hydrologic characteristics.
• Collect soil samples using a push-style soil probe with significant force in materials with up to 580psi of penetration resistance.
• Delineate wetlands by analyzing soils and hydrology in project areas.
• Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects, including locating and evaluating potential mitigation sites, assisting with site design, designing and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations.
• Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies and for publication in professional journals.
• Seek external funding for research projects and contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and, and outside agencies.
• Participate in Survey, PRI, and outside scientific organizations.
• Provide technical expertise to funding agencies, governmental entities, and the general public regarding wetland issues.
• Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Visiting Assistant Scientist, Wetland Soils responsibilities will include:
• Conduct on-site wetland determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of soil and hydrologic characteristics.
• Collect soil samples using a push-style soil probe with significant force in materials with up to 580psi of penetration resistance.
• Delineate wetlands by analyzing soils and hydrology in project areas.
• Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects, including locating and evaluating potential mitigation sites, assisting with site design, designing and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations.
• Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies and for publication in professional journals.
• Seek external funding for research projects and contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Surveys, PRI, and outside agencies.
• Assist with mentoring and training of junior staff members as it pertains to soil evaluation, wetland delineation and monitoring procedures, as well as database use and report writing.
• Perform other administrative duties within the Wetland Science Program.
• Participate in Survey, PRI, and outside scientific organizations.
• Provide technical expertise to funding agencies, governmental entities, and the general public regarding wetland issues.
• Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Soils
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Soils, Restoration Ecology, Hydrology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years of experience conducting on-site field surveys, including classifying and mapping soil, identifying hydric soil units, interpreting soil survey reports, and interpreting wetland hydrology. Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of current federal and state wetland delineation requirements. Ability to identify and describe soil profiles and knowledge of prairie soil types. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability 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 are required. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Familiarity with ArcGIS software. Demonstrated experience and ability using a push-style soil probe to collect soil samples. Ability to insert and remove probe in various soil materials with up to 580psi of penetration resistance.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method. Formal training in ACOE method of wetland determination and delineation.
Visiting Assistant Scientist, Wetland Soils
Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in Soils, Restoration Ecology, Hydrology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience classifying and mapping soil, identifying hydric soil units, interpreting soil survey reports and interpreting wetland hydrology. Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of current federal and state wetland delineation requirements. Ability to identify and describe soil profiles and knowledge of prairie soil types. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability 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 are required. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Familiarity with ArcGIS software. Demonstrated experience and ability using a push-style soil probe to collect soil samples. Ability to insert and remove probe in various soil materials with up to 580psi of penetration resistance.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method. Formal training in ACOE method of wetland determination and delineation.
Environmental Demands:
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, remoteness, working near high trafficked roadways and railroads), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; ability to lift, carry, manipulate field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain may be required. Overnight travel up to one work week may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. Significant physical effort is often needed to take soil samples, including the ability to both insert and remove a probe in soil materials with up to 580psi of penetration resistance. Employee must be able to safely drive work- provided vehicles, including large SUVs, in a variety of weather conditions and work environments.
Proposed Start Date: Negotiable
Salary: Starting salary range is $40,000-$55,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Appointment Status: This is a visiting, full time, academic professional, grant supported 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. Position may become a non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic needs.
To Apply: Applications must be received by February 28, 2019. Applicants may be interviewed prior to the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. Please visit
http://jobs.illinois.edu to complete an online application and to upload 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/resume, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) for three professional references. All requested information/ documentation must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For further information, please contact Amber Hall at
amberh@illinois.edu or 217-300-4080.
