GIS Specialist
Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an experienced GIS Specialist (Official Title: Senior Scientific Specialist, Geospatial Science) to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technical support and specialized production process support for the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) with a focus on preparing databases, maps, and reports for state and federal programs.

The ISWS CHAMP group has many funded projects that assess local flood hazards, identify high-risk areas, and engage community partners to inform, educate, and empower others to take action in preventing losses from natural hazards. CHAMP is a Cooperating Technical Partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency creating maps and products as reflected on https://illinoisfloodmaps.org/.

ISWS is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide 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. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

Job Summary
Provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technical support and specialized production process support for the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) with a focus on preparing databases, maps, and reports for state and federal programs.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Research
  Assemble, integrate, analyze, compile, and display information and data from a variety of sources in a digital format using GIS and engineering related software.
  Collaborate to write proposals, conduct research and geospatial analyses, prepare reports, and communicate results to stakeholders.
  Coordinate with GIS staff, engineers, and other CHAMP staff to apply GIS and engineering related software to produce deliverables and meet project deadlines.
  Prepare digital and tabular data and perform cartographic work in conformance with strict Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards for Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) production.
  Prepare databases for FEMA Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) grants and other projects as assigned.
  Implement internal Quality Assurance (QA) procedures and perform Quality Control (QC) reviews for FEMA regulatory products.
  Document production workflows and procedures and train CHAMP staff.
  Provide comments to FEMA on proposed changes to Program Standards, Technical References, Guidance documents, and Templates.
  Initiate adjustments to workflows to ensure continued compliance with FEMA standards and guidelines.
  Coordinate with staff Geospatial Application Developer to increase automation and efficiency of tasks.
  Develop expertise in FEMA systems for submitting contract deliverables and reporting project metrics.
  Assist with Mapping Activity Statements (MAS) development including scope, budget, and schedule.
• Engagement and Outreach Provide technical information to federal, state, and local agencies. Participate in external meetings with agency staff, local officials, and consulting engineers. Prepare exhibits and visual aids for community meetings. Create technical content for presentation on project websites. Participate in University, PRI, ISWS, and CHAMP public outreach and service events.
• Other Maintain Certification as a Floodplain Manager (CFM). Maintain Geographic Information Systems Professional certification (GISP). Attend professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars. Deliver presentations at professional conferences and meetings. Travel, including overnight(s), to attend professional conferences and meetings. Continue education to develop/enhance skills related to project task, process, and management. Continue education to develop/enhance leadership skills to further career progression. Serve on search committees for technical positions. Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University. Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Minimum Qualifications

BA/BS in GIS, Urban Planning, Geography, Geology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. 5 to 10 years professional experience working in geospatial science. Experience with the latest version of Esri's ArcGIS software. Experience preparing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, FIRM databases, and Flood Risk Products (FRP). Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

MA/MS in GIS, Urban Planning, Geography, Geology, or related field.
10 years professional work experience in geospatial science. Subject Matter Expert (SME) in FEMA Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) process, deliverables, and reporting systems
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency using ArcGIS products, including ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro. Experience using ArcGIS Online and web-mapping tools. Comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of GIS analysis and the methods and techniques of designing and maintaining GIS databases. Possess working knowledge in writing and executing database queries. Possess working knowledge of ModelBuilder and/or Python. Familiarity with Hydraulic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) hydraulic modeling files and associated RASPLOT software for flood profile generation. Expert knowledge of FEMA Standards, Guidance, and Technical References for development of regulatory and Flood Risk Products (FRP). Strong background producing map products. Strong data management skills. Experience drafting written reports. Possess working knowledge of Microsoft products (including, but not limited to, Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook). Strong ability to work effectively in a team structure and complete tasks in a timely fashion under minimal supervision. Effective communication, 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. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Personal and professional interest in natural resources and the application of geospatial technologies to further scientific research.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is flexible but should start by 2/16/2024. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Sunday October 1st 2023. 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 begin before the closing date but not offer or decision is made until after close date and all applications considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman PRI-HR jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019217
Job Category: Research

To apply, visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7367?c=illinois







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