Wednesday, January 4, 2017

JOB OPENING: WATER RESOURCES SPECIALIST McHenry County


The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development Department is seeking qualified candidates for a Full Time Water Resources Specialist. Under general supervision from the Water Resources Manager, the Water Resources Specialist facilitates the regional management of the county’s water supply by coordinating efforts to protect ground and surface water quality and quantity.
Water Resources Specialist
Full Time: Monday – Friday 8:00-4:30
Grade 10E (exempt)
Hiring Salary: $49,085 depending on qualifications

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)
  • Facilitate implementation of the McHenry County Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP) by the county, municipalities and other governmental agencies, and the private sector.
  • Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings.
  • Apply for and manage federal, state, and foundation grants.
  • Manage the county’s ground water and stream gage monitoring program.
  • Research and assist with developing regulations to protect water quality and quantity.
  • Coordinate scientific studies analyzing the quality and quantity of water resources.
  • Develop and deliver educational programs for children and adults.
  • Prepare press releases and articles for publication.
  • Educate the public and policy makers regarding various USGS and ISGS technical studies.
  • Coordinate data collection and preparation of the county’s annual MS4 permit.
  • Assist with preparation of the county’s annual National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) review.
  • Develop a comprehensive water conservation program.
  • Participate in water resource management organizations and watershed planning initiatives.
  • Monitor and assist with the development of the county’s response to Federal and State legislation related to water resources.
  • Assist in other water resources related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with course work in hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental science, earth science, civil or environmental engineering, or a related field; and
  • Two to three years of relevant experience; or
  • Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

    Licenses and Certifications:
  • Certified hydrologist, licensed professional geologist, certified professional soil scientist, certified professional soil classifier, licensed professional engineer, or similar professional credentials preferred.
  • Driver’s License.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
  • The science, principles, and practices water resources management.
  • County, State, and Federal regulations and laws regarding ground water and storm water management.

    Skill in:
  • Preparing clear written reports and presentation utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively in individual and group settings, including providing public presentations.
  • Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment.
  • Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated scientific information.
  • Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with general supervision.
  • Reading reports, studies, plans, and maps.

    Mental and Physical Abilities:
  • Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and develop technical reports and presentations.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to communicate complex scientific and engineering concepts.

    While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is required to frequently or occasional sit, stand, walk, handle, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and talk or hear.

    Working Conditions:
  • Office work is performed in an office environment with quiet working conditions. 
  • Occasional field work may be performed in suburban, rural, and natural environments.

    Benefits:
    McHenry County offers an excellent benefits package which includes the following:
  • High Deductible Health Plan and Dental Insurance,
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • Paid Holidays, Vacation Personal and Sick leave

No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or disability.


Apply online at www.co.mchenry.il.us.

DuPage County Stormwater Management Summer of 2017


Employment Opportunity: Seasonal/Internships

Title: Stormwater Management Wetland Intern
Posting No.: 0887
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Stormwater Management
Hours: Temporary: Monday-Friday 15-37.5 hours per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., evening and weekend hours as required
Salary: Undergraduate: $10.00/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns; Graduate: $10.50/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns
DuPage County Department of Stormwater Management is seeking a Wetland Intern for Spring/Summer 2017. The position provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in wetland techniques as well as local and federal regulations.
Duties include:
•    Assisting the Wetland Specialists with a wide range of activities in the field and office
•    Conducting field inspections at locations throughout DuPage County
•    General office duties – filing, copying, note taking, data entry, research
•    Completing requests for information
Qualifications:
•    Preferred candidate will be a full-time college student with one-year minimum course work in biology, botany, soil science, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
•    Computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point
•    Strong written and oral communication skills
•    Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
•    A valid Illinois Driver's License in good standing
A pre-employment background check is required.
Applications accepted until position is filled.

Employment Opportunity: Seasonal/Internships

Title: Stormwater Management Water Quality Intern
Posting No.: 0886
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Stormwater Management
Hours: Temporary: Monday-Friday 24-37.5 hours per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., evening and weekend hours as required
Salary: Undergraduate: $10.00/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns; Graduate: $10.50/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns
DuPage County Department of Stormwater Management is seeking a Water Quality Intern for Spring/Summer 2017. The position provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in water quality field techniques as well as local and federal regulations.
Duties include:
•    Assisting the Water Quality staff with a wide range of activities in the field and office
•    Conducting field inspections at locations throughout DuPage County
•    General office duties – data entry and analysis, research
•    Periodic interaction with members of the public
Qualifications:
•    Actively taking undergraduate or graduate level courses at an accredited institution to obtain an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in biology, botany, chemistry, geography, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
•    Computer skills, GIS experience preferred
•    Strong written and oral communication skills
•    Attention to detail and organizational skills
•    Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
•    A valid Illinois Driver's License in good standing
A pre-employment background check is required.
Applications accepted until position is filled.
DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Paid Summer Research Opportunities for Two-Year and Four-Year College Students in the Geoscience



Join us for a webinar on Dec 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM MST.
 *Register now!*


Have you thought about a career in the sciences but are unsure what that might look like, or if it’s the path for you? Are you excited about trying out scientific research? Would you like to be paid to spend your summer doing genuine science, being mentored by professional scientists, and exploring the geosciences (disciplines include atmospheric science, geology, oceanography, water resources, forest and microbial ecology and climate change)? If so, a summer research program might be just right for you!

In this webinar we will discuss the types of research opportunities available to you, what you can expect during your summer research experience, and how to put together a convincing application package. We’ll share information about a range of different geoscience research programs across the country and have time to answer your questions.

This webinar is specifically aimed at undergraduates in their first to third years of study, who may be interested in paid summer research opportunities. Community college students and students from non-research institutions are especially encouraged to attend. If you have special circumstances, such as a family or a disability, programs are happy to work with you.

The webinar will be recorded and made available to everyone who registers, so please register if you’re interested, even if you’re unable to attend the event live.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

If you have any questions, please contact Bec Batchelor: rbatch@ucar.edu

ENVS Fall 2016 Newsletter