Visiting Scientific Specialist, Historic Mining & 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 https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/


ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Historic Mining & Geology (up to 2 depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to conduct historical research on mining activities in Illinois to assist in the compilation and mapping of coal mine data. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.



Duties & Responsibilities:

Conduct historical research on mining activities in Illinois.
Reconstruct mine and production history from archival sources.
Scan, digitize, and edit data on coal mines and related geology.
Assist in producing mined-out area quadrangle maps and directories of Illinois coal mines.
Maintain coal mine research databases.
Add to Survey and PRI databases and knowledge through production, storage, and analysis of contract-produced data.
Conduct searches for distribution records, prepare and disseminate reports to funding agencies describing survey methods and results, and provide data to resource databases.
Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
Attend, participate in, and contribute to professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or other services to PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
Enhance the reputation of the unit and PRI at the state and national levels.
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 the University.



Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, history or other research-based social or historical sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience conducting historic research and analysis. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Master's in geology, geography, anthropology, environmental science/policy, history or other research-based social or historical sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases..



Work Environment: The work of this position takes place in an office setting with occasional travel to mines, company offices, libraries, court houses, historical societies, and colleges in and adjacent to Illinois.



Appointment Information: This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $60,000.



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 24, 2024. Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search. 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: 1023267
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu