Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrogeology

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.