The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
The ISWS Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) has many funded projects that assess local flood hazards, identify high-risk areas, and engage community partners to inform, educate, and empower others to take action in preventing losses from natural hazards. CHAMP is a Cooperating Technical Partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu.EEO.
ISWS is seeking to hire a Scientific Specialist, Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer review and conduct hydrologic and hydraulic studies for federal floodplain mapping efforts within the State of Illinois.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic studies using computer models, data research/capture following applicable standards and data capture protocols. Will involve using a variety of software including, but not limited to: HEC-RAS, HEC-GeoRAS, HEC-HMS, HEC-GeoHMS, and ArcGIS. Projects may use both steady and unsteady computational modes.
- Prepare publication-ready profiles, tables, maps, reports and other modes to communicate technical results, data research, model development, and methodology meeting applicable standards.
- Perform Quality assurance checks of models, graphics and reports.
- Support activities associated with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) application reviews.
- Support activities associated with proposal preparation, including providing technical data and information, coordinate activities with project team, engineers and GIS Specialists.
- Participate in meetings with team, agency staff, local officials, general public, and private consulting engineers.
- Professional Development activities such as attending conferences, giving presentations.
- Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Civil, Water Resources, Environmental or similar curriculum) with coursework in hydrology and hydraulics. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to the position. Course work (or equivalent work experience) using HEC-HMS and/or HEC-RAS or similar software and familiarity with ArcGIS.
Experience: Some work experience, a research assistant at a university, internship, or other position.
Training, Licenses or Certifications: Must have passed the Fundamental of Engineering Exam and be an Engineer in training (EIT); (Registration as a Professional Engineer in Illinois expected as soon as practicable). Must attain Certification as Floodplain Manager within one year of employment. Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Knowledge requirements: Solid understanding of the fundamentals of surface water hydrology and hydraulics. Effective communication, organizational, personal relations, and technical writing skills. Demonstrated ability to perform in a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under minimal supervision. An attention to detail, sound judgement, and strong resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications: Master of Science and additional coursework in GIS, urban storm water management, engineering economics, statistics. Professional work experience using hydrologic and hydraulic models. ArcGIS Experience using data sets such hydrography, topography, DEMs. Knowledge of HEC-1, HEC-2, HEC-RAS, HEC-GeoRAS, HEC-HMS, HEC-GeoHMS, and/or SWMM helpful. Familiarity with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Studies, and technical guidelines helpful. Working knowledge of ArcGIS 10 or higher. Registration Professional Engineer in Illinois. Registration as a Certified Floodplain Manager is very desirable.
Environmental Demands: The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Travel is required to attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and conduct site visits.
Appointment: This is a regular full-time academic professional appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable and salary is commensurate with experience and skills.
Application: Please complete your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and the contact information for three professional references must be received by Sunday May 2nd 2021. Interviews may be conducted before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.
For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Jon Freiman at [email protected] or 217-244-2687.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
