Survey Director, Illinois State Water Survey | University of Illinois, Prairie Research Institute
Posted on Feb 17, 2025
The Illinois State Water Survey is seeking a Survey Director who will provide strategic direction and overall administration for the Survey and administer research activities by conceiving, recommending, implementing, directing, and participating in scientific research, focused on the selected candidate’s area of study, while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute. This position will also hold a Principal Research Scientist job. This is an in-person position based in Champaign, Illinois.
The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) has a 130-year history of providing 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. The 125 scientists, technicians, and students conduct state-of-the-art research and collect, analyze, archive, and disseminate high-quality, objective data and technical information. The ISWS has been at the forefront of many firsts and contributed to hydrologic and climate concepts still used nationally and internationally today. (https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.13139)
The Prairie Research Institute (https://prairie.illinois.edu/), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses the five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. Its mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.
The University of Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications - Ph.D. in a scientific discipline relevant to the mission and goals of the ISWS. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in an academic or government research environment; administrative experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization; experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations; and an established record of obtaining sponsored funding from state and federal agencies and the private sector and actively facilitating research endeavors. Significant experience in an academic or government research environment; administrative and leadership experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization; experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations; and an established record of obtaining sponsored funding from state and federal agencies, and the private sector and actively facilitating research endeavors.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience conducting a research program that complements and/or promotes collaboration with among scientists. Experience with delivering unbiased science that independently impacts public policy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities -Effective and strong communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, 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. Excellent budget management resource allocation and decision-making skills. Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoing initiatives, projects, and proposals simultaneously.
Salary and Benefits
Appointment Information - This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The minimum starting salary is $150,000 plus a $25,000 stipend for the Director Role and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.
Location
Illinois State Water Survey
2204 Griffith Dr.
Champaign, IL 61820
United States
How to apply
https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11241
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 28, 2025 (Extended). 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. Interviews may take place before the closing date, with the understanding that no hiring decisions will be made until after the close date. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.