University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Division of Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute

Water Supply Hydrologist

The Division of Illinois State Water Survey has been a leader in the study of water resources for more than a century. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science- based information and analysis necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment.

We are seeking a Water Supply Hydrologist to fill a position within the Surface Water Hydrology and Hydraulics Section. This position will generate historical and spatial scientific data, investigate and understand watershed processes, and provide state-of-the-art scientific and engineering analyses to policymakers, planners, and resource managers in the State of Illinois and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will conduct surface water investigations as a member of a team of surface water and groundwater hydrologists and a climatologist in support of regional water supply planning efforts in Illinois and will be expected to ultimately develop into the state's expert in the area of Illinois' surface water resources, with emphasis on potential drought impacts to surface water supplies and low flow hydrology.

He or she should have the abilities to interact with stakeholders, develop and carry through applied research studies with a focus on practical results, prepare technical reports and be able to present technical results in terms that a non-technical audience can understand and utilize. The ability to identify and address research needs in the water supply area for the specific needs (interests) of state and local agencies is considered a crucial aspect of the position.

A broad range of technical skills are ideal, including competence in hydrologic analyses including statistical methods, watershed modeling and water budget analysis. Knowledge and experience in the following areas are a plus: groundwater-system interactions, in-stream flow considerations, stream and reservoir yield analyses, and analyses of regional differences in low-flow frequency. The ideal candidate should have a thorough knowledge of the water cycle to be able to interpret available climatic, soil moisture, surface water and groundwater data during times of drought and assess potential impacts on stream flow and reservoir resources.

Required Education and Experience: Masters required, Ph.D. preferred in Civil/Environmental/ Agricultural Engineering or Earth Sciences. The candidate will have post graduate degree work experience; less experience will be considered if able to amply convey the desire and commitment to meeting the career goals of the position. Experience with preparing comprehensive reports suitable for use by water supply planners and manager's is desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills are required.

Proposed start date: as soon as possible after close, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Salary: is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Appointment status: 12-month, academic professional position

Application procedures: Please complete your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a letter of application, CV, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references must be received by September 30, 2013. Interviews may be conducted before the closing date. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.

For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Hannah Dorsey at (217)333-4978 or hdorsey@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty, and staff embrace diversity and are committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value diversity and inclusivity www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu