Scientific Specialist, Water Resources Engineering

The University of Illinois is hiring an entry-level Scientific Specialist in Water Resources Engineering to conduct applied research on hydrologic and hydraulic studies. Responsibilities include developing reports and mapping products for FEMA Risk MAP grants, performing quality assurance reviews, and engaging with community partners. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required. The position is based in Urbana, IL, with a starting salary of $65,000.
About the position

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an entry-level Water Resources Engineer (Official Title: Scientific Specialist, Water Resources Engineering) to conduct applied research by developing and reviewing hydrologic and hydraulic studies. The successful candidate will summarize results to produce reports, technical memoranda, presentations, databases, and mapping products for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) grants and other projects assigned within the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP). This position is crucial in assessing local flood hazards, identifying high-risk areas, and engaging community partners to inform, educate, and empower others to take action in preventing losses from natural hazards. The CHAMP group is a Cooperating Technical Partner with FEMA, creating maps and products that are essential for effective flood risk management. The 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 with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. The role involves conducting applied research, developing hydrologic studies using computer models, and performing quality assurance reviews of models and reports prepared by other engineers. The candidate will also be responsible for summarizing and communicating results of studies and participating in outreach activities to present findings to non-technical audiences. The position requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Civil, Water Resources, Environmental, or similar curriculum) with coursework in hydrology and hydraulics. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. The expected start date is as soon as possible, and the minimum starting salary is $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities
• Conduct applied research by developing and reviewing hydrologic and hydraulic studies.
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• Summarize results to produce reports, technical memoranda, presentations, databases, and mapping products for FEMA Risk MAP grants.
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• Develop hydrologic studies using computer models to determine riverine peak flow discharges at defined flood frequencies.
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• Develop hydraulic studies using computer models to determine flood elevations at defined flood frequencies.
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• Perform Quality Assurance reviews of models, analysis, data, and reports prepared by other engineers.
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• Prepare and assist in the preparation of reports, technical memoranda, presentations, databases, and mapping products.
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• Participate in meetings with staff, external agencies, local officials, and consulting engineers.
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• Prepare materials to present hydrologic and hydraulic results to non-technical audiences.
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• Monitor updates to FEMA standards, technical references, and guidance documents.
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• Keep abreast of developments in the discipline and perform other duties as needed.

Requirements
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Civil, Water Resources, Environmental, or similar curriculum) with coursework in hydrology and hydraulics.
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• Coursework or equivalent work experience using HEC-HMS and/or HEC-RAS or similar software.
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• Familiarity with ArcGIS and/or ArcPro.
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• Some work experience, such as a research assistant at a university or internship.
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• Valid driver's license.
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• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam with enrollment as an Engineering Intern (EI) expected as soon as practicable.
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• Expected to obtain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certificate within one year of employment.

Nice-to-haves
• Master of Science or Engineering and additional coursework in GIS, urban stormwater management, statistics, and/or engineering economics.
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• Professional work experience using hydrologic and/or hydraulic models.
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• Experience with ArcGIS or ArcPro using datasets such as hydrography, topography, Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), Land Use, and/or Soils.
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• Knowledge of HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and/or SWMM.
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• Familiarity with FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Studies, and technical guidelines beneficial.
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• Enrolled as Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT).

Benefits
• Paid leave
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• Paid holidays
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• Health insurance
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• Retirement savings plan
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Professional development opportunities