Senior Environmental Extension Scientist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Chicago, IL

Job Title: Senior Environmental Extension Scientist

Organization: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Overview: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, one of 34 Sea Grant programs in the U.S., brings the latest science to those who can best use the information, empowering people in the two states and the Great Lakes region to solve problems in sustainable ways. The program is funded through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Illinois and Purdue University.

The Senior Environmental Extension Scientist for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant serves as a full time academic professional with primary responsibility for expanding an outreach program on Great Lakes contaminant remediation and restoration activities being conducted under the Great Lakes Legacy Act.

Duties:

Development, Delivery, and Evaluation

  • Design and implement an outreach and education plan based on local conditions and needs. Programming should empower clients to interpret and apply science-based contaminant information to local decisions involving sediment removal and clean-up as well as habitat restoration once remediation is complete. This programming could include case studies of remediation and restoration projects in designated Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) for communities considering or administering other remediation and restoration projects. It might also include youth education programs that help lead to greater support and long-term planning and protection of remediation and restoration efforts.

  • Develop outreach tools that transfer science and engineering-based information to AOC communities and other Great Lakes stakeholders.

  • Maintain and expand web-based AOC resources such as greatlakesmud.org, a remediation and restoration website.

  • Determine effectiveness of programming using appropriate evaluation techniques and contribute to grant and program reporting.

  • Ensure that programming addresses the diversity of stakeholders.

Research / Collaboration

  • Conduct user needs assessments in Great Lakes AOCs that are considering/planning remediation of sediment contamination or restoration.

  • Identify economic and societal impacts of sediment remediation and restoration within the Great Lakes AOCs and provide those outcomes to the Great Lakes community. Publishing of results in professional journals is encouraged.

  • Work with GLNPO, appropriate state agency officials, and communities developing remediation and restoration plans to provide communities with the information necessary to work toward delisting their AOCs.

  • Develop a communication plan for the Great Lakes Legacy Act, in partnership with GLNPO staff, focusing on both overall program coordination and project-specific communication. Work with scientists and GLNPO and IISG staff to develop products that address these needs.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • PhD related to subject matter.

  • Experience building and maintaining diverse networks.

  • Experience working effectively under minimal supervision and managing multiple priorities.

  • Experience with Great Lakes.

  • Training in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications:

  •  Master’s degree related to subject matter from an accredited institution of higher education is required. Examples of relevant specializations could include, but are not limited to, human dimensions of natural resources, coastal management, environmental policy, sustainability studies, environmental economics, human geography, urban and regional planning, or community development. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress will be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
  •  3-5 five years of relevant outreach experience is required. Relevant experience is considered broadly and can include seasonal positions, volunteer work, graduate assistantships, or other student/part- time positions, on a prorated basis.
  • Experience communicating science to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Experience with data analysis.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills. Organized work approach with attention to detail and sound judgment. Ability to lead, plan, and work in a collaborative team environment. Ability to perform effectively under minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities. Strong interest in public outreach. Ability to build and maintain diverse networks, to communicate effectively via social media, and a strong interest in/knowledge of remediation, restoration and community revitalization are preferred. 

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible after closing date

Application Deadline: December 4

Salary/pay: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

How to apply: Please click here

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