Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Monitoring - Prairie Research Institute

• Research-Field work/Data Collection - 65%
  Operate and maintain research field instruments for environmental, hydrologic, and/or water quality monitoring: dataloggers, sensors, etc. under supervision of senior scientists/field coordinators. (Campbell, Arduino, automatic water pump samplers, telemetry, acoustic Doppler current profilers, water quality sensors...).
  Perform field sample and data collection, stream discharge measurements, and schedule field visits and sampling based on requirements for overall project deliverables in a timely and accurate manner to collect high quality research. Data/sample collection is often required during and/or after storm events when stream levels are high and may involve working from a boat or bridge under all lake and river conditions. Field projects are conducted year-round and may be in any part of the state.
  Complete sample preservation, sensor data acquisition, and coordinate delivery, storage, and documentation of all samples and data to researchers/laboratories with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail to meet project deliverables.
  Support the fabrication, maintenance and care of field equipment and instrumentation. Hand soldering small electronic components onto microcontroller boards for instrument development and maintenance.
  Obtain, research, and analyze geological maps, regulatory files, site-specific historical, and environmental data.
  Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
  Participate with team members on other FIELD research projects and initiatives in order to further the mission and goals of the Water Survey, Geological Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Research- Data Analysis/Interpretation - 35%
  Assist with interpretation, analysis, and summary of the collected geologic, hydrologic and environmental data, lab results, and information for project deliverables.
  Support the preparation of project reports: producing plots, figures, tables and summaries from project data using MS products (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, Outlook...), Grapher software, and ArcGIS Pro.
  Participate with team members in other geological/environmental research and initiatives in order to further the mission and goals of the Water Survey, Geological Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
  Keep abreast of developments in hydrology, watershed science and/or geology.

Bachelor's degree or higher in physical sciences (water resources, geosciences or environmental sciences) with experience collecting field data and samples and creating and maintaining ArcGIS databases. Applicant must have a valid Illinois Driver's License.

Verified experience with automatic pump samplers, Campbell loggers, soldering electronic components, and performing discharge measurements. Basic boating knowledge and skills, including the ability to safely operate and maneuver small watercraft under a variety of conditions. Demonstrated understanding of fundamental navigation, weather awareness, and water safety principles. Experience with towing, launching, and operating motorboats. Verified experience driving motorboats. Individuals should be familiar with applicable boating regulations, right of way rules, and hazard recognition (e.g., shallow areas, debris, changing weather). State approved boat safety course completion preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to follow field sample data collection procedures and schedules, and meet deadlines based on overall project deliverables. The discipline to closely and consistently follow accepted data collection and data management procedures. Effective communication, successful personal relations, collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills are also required. Ability to independently and consistently produce an organized, detail-oriented work product in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities. Ability to operate and maintain electronic/digital instrumentation. Proficiency in commonly-employed office software (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ArcGIS Pro with demonstrated ability to learn other new software applications. Ability to interpret maps and to accurately collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize/report data from various information sources.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, situational awareness, communication, and decision-making skills are essential. Comfortable working independently with attention to detail. Demonstrated experience (professional or academic) in any of the following wide range of skills: electronics and soldering, compiling field-collected environmental data in spreadsheets, and working outdoors for extended periods of time under all weather conditions.

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2026. This position may become regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The budgeted salary range for this position is $45,000 to $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1b petition that would incur the $100,000 fee. Please note interviews may take place before the close of the job ad. No offers will be extended until after the close of the job advertisement.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 15th 2026. 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 Jon Freiman at jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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: 1037123

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu