Department
INDIANA GEOLOGICAL and WATER SUR (UA-GEOY-IUBLA)
Department Information
The Survey is charged with conducting geological research; providing geological information, data, and educational outreach; and maintaining physical and digital geological collections. The IGWS is a long-standing, state-supported organization benefiting the welfare of the citizens of Indiana since 1837, when Dr. David Dale Owen was hired to conduct a geological assessment of the state. The Survey has been associated with Indiana University (IU) for most of the 20th century and was formally established as part of the university through Indiana statute (IC 21-47-2) in 1993. In 2022, the state legislature established the IGWS Center for Water (IC 21-47-2-7) and Center for Energy (IC 21-47-2-8) to support long-term studies of the state's natural water and energy resources.
Job Summary
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey seeks to recruit a Hydrogeochemist with expertise in groundwater geochemistry, laboratory analysis, and hydrogeologic interpretation to support the statutory responsibilities of the Survey and its Center for Water related to Indiana's water resources. This position emphasizes development of geochemical data products, operation of hydrologic monitoring infrastructure, and integration of geochemical and hydrogeologic datasets.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
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Independently plans and conducts basic and applied hydrogeochemical research supporting the Survey's statutory duties concerning Indiana's water and bedrock resources at regional to site specific scales.
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Uses existing groundwater and bedrock geochemistry datasets and collects additional samples to evaluate spatial and temporal changes in groundwater geochemical properties.
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Collects groundwater and related bedrock samples and conducts laboratory procedures, analytical procedures, quality control, and data validation.
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Performs geochemical data analysis and interpretation in support of groundwater monitoring, assessment, and research objectives.
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Maintains and supports the ongoing operation of the Indiana Water Balance Network (IWBN), including troubleshooting technical issues; replacing and maintaining hardware and instrumentation; coordinating calibration and performance checks; and ensuring continuity, reliability, and quality of IWBN data streams.
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Works closely with a physical Hydrogeologist and other Survey staff to support activities related to the National Ground Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN).
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Integrates geochemical, hydrogeologic, and groundwater level datasets to support contract deliverables and interpretation of groundwater system behavior.
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Supports statewide groundwater monitoring and research activities and interacts with state agencies, universities, and research partners.
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Produces scientific deliverables including datasets, maps, technical reports, and publications.
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Supports and maintains geological data and collections, ensuring proper stewardship, organization, and preservation of digital datasets, paper records, and physical samples in accordance with Survey standards and best practices.
General Responsibilities
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Plans and develops research projects, methods, and techniques that may include proposal development.
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Participates in and may lead externally and internally funded research projects as a Princlipal Investigator (PI) or co-PI.
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Supervises, performs, collects, analyzes, and interprets field and laboratory data from geological investigations.
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Reviews published literature pertaining to specific research.
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Presents as first author or coauthor interpreted research findings at meetings, conferences, and fieldtrips.
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Trains students and less experienced coworkers on the proper use, maintenance, calibration, and repair of field and laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
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Publishes as first author or coauthor interpreted research findings as geological maps, posters, journal articles, geodatabases, and geospatial coverages.
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Responds to service requests for information from the public, utilities, industry, government agencies, and academia.
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Supports and maintains geological collections, ensuring proper handling of digital data, paper records, and physical samples.
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Coordinates research projects with other geological surveys and research groups.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
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Bachelor's degree in geology with coursework or research experience in related specialty.
Preferred
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Master's degree in geology with coursework or research experience in hydrogeology, geochemistry, or water resources.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
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2 years of experience conducting geological field and laboratory research in related specialty.
Preferred
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
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Valid driver's license and ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire
SKILLS
Required
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Proficient communication skills.
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Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
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Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
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Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
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Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
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Highly thorough and dependable.
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Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
Preferred
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Ability to direct and supervise others.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the methods and tools used in groundwater management and using geochemical data to support long-term water resource decision-making.
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Familiarity with equipment used for water sample collection and geochemical testing.
Working Conditions / Demands
The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The role requires the ability to move effectively over rough terrain in the field in a variety of weather conditions. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Advertised Salary
$66,0000.00 - $73,000.00 annually
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
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Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
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Health savings account with generous IU contributions
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Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
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Basic group life insurance paid by IU
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Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death and dismemberment insurance
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Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
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Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
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Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
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10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
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Generous paid time off plans
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Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
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Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Geological Sciences and Survey
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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