Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrogeology - Illinois State Water Survey
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL, USA
Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrogeology - Illinois State Water Survey
Job Summary
Work alongside and provide hydrogeologic consulting services to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) personnel. Project specific focus will be the long-term maintenance and operation of dewatering efforts (i.e., removing excess groundwater to protect vital infrastructure). This project/position has been active since the 1980s and is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.Duties & Responsibilities
- Field work Weekly field work from April – November annually. Summer field season includes well rehabilitations (i.e., acidification and sonar pulsing) to remove iron and bacterial buildup on well screens. Oversee rehabilitation teams and report progress to IDOT staff. Participate in sand tests for Ranney Collector Well to ensure that the system is functioning properly. Measure groundwater levels regularly. Maintain and ensure long-term functionality of telemetry stations that monitor and record groundwater levels hourly. Installations of automated monitoring telemetry stations, as needed. Field work may require interaction with property owners or the public but will likely be predominantly interacting with IDOT personnel.
- Hydrogeologic Consulting Respond to requests from IDOT staff about regional/local hydrogeologic information. Produce monthly reports of local groundwater levels for IDOT staff.
- Other Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Illinois State Water Survey, the Prairie Research Institute, and the University of Illinois.
Additional Physical Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.Work location can be ISWS campus full-time, remote full-time, or a hybrid approach (both remote and ISWS Campus). Field sites are near the East St. Louis, IL area, so full-time remote work from St. Louis, MO, Collinsville, IL, Edwardsville, IL, or other similarly suitable location is acceptable.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
- Field work experience in hydrogeology, geology, or related subject.
- College coursework in hydrology, hydrogeologic modeling, aqueous geochemistry, and/or geospatial sciences.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Science in Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Experience of 1-3 years working on groundwater resource-related projects, with a particular focus on projects that heavily integrate human infrastructure.
• Experience with power and construction tools for work.
• Experience with water supply operations, and heavy machinery are a plus.
• Experience with engineering schematics and projects related to groundwater.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Effective communication of technical scientific concepts, 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. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2026. The budgeted salary range for this position is $66,000 to $77,000. 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 for a position.
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 that interviews may take place before the close of the job ad. No offers will be extended until after the close of the job advertisement.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 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.
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: 1036277
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu