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. Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrogeology – Illinois State Water Survey 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. Install 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 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 locations 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. Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 15th 2026 . Apply at For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman at View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions regarding the application process, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. 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. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, option #1, or View email address on click.appcast.io. Requisition ID 1036277 Job Category Research Apply at #J-18808-Ljbffr