Position Description & Application
Major Duties and 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 landowners’ 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.
Participate in forest management practices such as cutting, thinning, prescribed fire, etc.
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, wildlife habitat management, and fire management.
Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of IDNR, the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Required 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 later depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting salary is $50,000 and start date is negotiable.
