Position Website and Application Information
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Field Scientist to plan, monitor, and evaluate the forestry-associated Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) across the state of Illinois, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Resources. This position will be located at the Forestry District Office in Golconda, Illinois (Pope County).
Duties & Responsibilities
• Conduct, develop, and participate in research and outreach activities of the Survey.
• Provide responsive project management for forest and forestry conservation practices established through
USDA NRCS EQIP and FSA CRP.
• Provide technical assistance and project management with the completion of forest management and forest
establishment projects and practices of EQIP and CRP.
• Interact with landowners to compile data on best management practices and to gather landowner’s
perceptions on conservation, forest wildlife, and forest health.
• Conduct initial recons, natural resource inventorying, and supervised plan writing.
• Collect information regarding management practice success and attributes in multiple conservation
objectives under EQIP and CRP including healthy forest cover, soil and water conservation, wildlife and native
habitats, and quality timber.
• Work with private landowners interested in Federal and State Forest management programs.
• Provide outreach and education to landowners eligible for EQIP and/or CRP opportunities.
• Provide niche skillset in forest conservation planning and forest conservation management to maximize the
effectiveness of federal and state funding available through USDA NRCS and FSA.
• Provide planning and management consultation to both public and private sectors in forest
management/stewardship, silviculture, reforestation, forest product utilization, watershed management, and
fire management.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of
Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. Field experience in forestry and/or forest conservation. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in forest conservation practices applied to the landscape under EQIP and CRP. S130/190 Basic Wildland Fire Management, ATV operation skills.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
General ecology/biology of forests, grasslands, and wildlife; Biodiversity, plant or tree ID, and forest conservation in agricultural settings. 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, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Working Conditions
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, uneven terrain etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites), working irregular hours and overnights. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. The successful candidate must take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant-supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. The anticipated duration of available funding for this position is currently two years. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting salary range is between $45,000 - $50,000, depending on experience.