This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12289823 Senior Scientific Specialist, 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 Senior Scientific Specialist to participate in research with the technical team to develop written earth science educational materials tailored to a variety of audiences. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Perform research to assist with the development of the earth science educational materials related to subsurface energy storage and extraction projects. Topics of research will include subsurface geology, reservoir geology, environmental and energy policy, and public acceptance.
• Acquire technical information through independent reading, collaboration with subject-matter experts, observation of tests and experiments, and interpretation of diagrams. Present this information in a manner easily understood by the intended audience.
• Develop earth science educational materials for a variety of audiences (e.g., K-12 learners, educators, and the public) based on material and technical publications prepared by subject matter experts; review the material for clarity and consistency following policy and style requirements.
• Develop or edit materials tailored to specific media and audiences, using knowledge of materials previously released or in process to avoid repetition or contradictions.
• Supervise, mentor, and lead undergraduate students, graduate students, and hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and travel approval.
• Research methods for leveraging past and current reports using AI (e.g., LLMs) to enhance discoverability of technical information.
• Create and maintain production schedules for presentations, reports, and maps.
• Edit articles for publication, often doing substantial rewriting.

Graphical Data Presentation

• Scan and digitize technical diagrams.
• Research and develop technical diagrams related to project needs.
• Translate datasets into presentation-quality formats.

Engagement

• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the public.
• Attend, participate in, and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Outreach and Other

• Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor\'s degree in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, or other research-based social sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At minimum of 2 years\' related industry or research experience with a bachelor\'s degree, with demonstrated experience producing reports of compiled data and research. No related industry or research experience required with a master\'s degree. Valid drivers\' license.

Preferred:

Master\'s degree in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, or other research-based social sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years\' related industry or research experience in the petroleum or reservoir geology field with a master\'s degree, with demonstrated experience producing reports of compiled data and research. Knowledge or familiarity with geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, and/or ArcGIS Online), modern scripting/programming languages commonly used in analytical research (e.g., Python, R), geology, engineering, natural resources, statistical methods. Familiarity with innovative methods of information synthesis (e.g., AI / LLMs, etc.) and their applications in developing written communications.

Kno