DIRECTOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES: A Permanent, Full-time Position. Pay: $75,731 TO $94,663. Dates: Start: 04/01/2016.
Location: Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Geneva, Illinois.
Qual: Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old, Education: Bachelos degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Masters degree in these areas a plus. Experience: 6-8 years of progressively responsible land and/or wildlife management; five (5) years of senior-level management experience, preferably in conservation agency, park and recreation or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and training. ArcMap GIS experience a plus. Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, CDL Class A, Pesticide Applicator, Prescribe Burn; all licenses/certifications must be obtained within one year of employment.
Duties: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County Natural Resources Department is accepting applications for one (1) Director of Natural Resources. Responsible for planning, organizing, directing and managing all functions and activities of the Natural Resources department, including land management, wildlife management, habitat restoration, and compliance with all federal, state and local laws. This position also provides expert professional assistance to District staff; fosters cooperative working relationships with other District departments, elected officials, volunteers, local environmental organizations and regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups. Administration: - Hires, directs, manages, evaluates, promotes, disciplines or effectively recommends such action for assigned personnel with the consent of the Executive Director, following procedures established by the District. - Oversees the management of the department; Develops and implements department policies and procedures designed to improve natural resource management and wildlife conservation; minimizes operating costs and effects greater utilization of labor and materials; recommends policies and provides technical and operational advice in areas of expertise (i.e. assessment of natural resources and ecological trends). - Manages and directs the administrative operation of the Natural Resources department; meets regularly with Restoration Ecologist and Wildlife Biologist to establish current and upcoming seasonal field work initiatives; coordinates major project task and component planning with other departments. - Evaluates current and potential properties for ecological and preservation value and makes recommendations to the Executive Director. - Prepares and maintains various short and long term natural areas planning reports, including feasibility studies, restoration plans, flora and fauna inventories, etc. - Investigates new grant sources, advises the Executive Director of grant opportunities, writes and administers grants for natural resource projects; attends grant hearings and makes presentations; responsible for departmental grant follow-up compliance and reporting. - Updates Natural Resources Master Plan on a regular basis. - Acts as departmental liaison, along with Restoration Ecologist and Wildlife Biologist, to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Wilderness, Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos, Chicago Field Museum, local colleges and universities, etc. on matters concerning natural areas management, ecological research, regional conservation goals and planning initiatives, plus threatened and endangered species concerns. - Represents the Executive Director and the District at public functions to interpret and explain the Forest Preserve District ’s natural resources and facilities; handles public questions and requests; counsels community and volunteer groups to determine basic needs and improvements concerning the operation of the District in areas of natural resources. - Researches, plans and supervises the preparation of the Department ’s budget and the control of expenditures; develops procedures for efficient cost effective operations; approves all expenditures not requiring Commission resolution; follows procedures set forth in purchasing policy. - Advises the Executive Director of upcoming needs for supplies, equipment, staffing, and cost estimates for current and future projects. - Formulates policies, regulations, organizational goals, and program priorities of the department for presentation to the Executive Director in compliance with generally recognized land management, restoration and wildlife management methods. - Recommends natural resource project budgets, directs and performs detailed on-site assessments, and technical research studies and compiles planning data for feasibility and alternative analysis studies; recommends ecological restoration alternatives and implements recommendations into preserve master plan and annual preserve management plan. - Researches, writes and/or reviews staff generated specifications for bids and request for quotes related to land management projects, wildlife and other scientific studies and equipment purchases. - Develops and maintains land management, wildlife conservation and restoration plans including prescribed burning, farmland management, reforestation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, deer population evaluation and management, endangered and threatened species protection program and invasive species control; prepares ecological reports and assessments of sites for nature preserve dedication, site inventories, nature preserve annual reports, grant reports and easement requests. - Coordinates implementation of natural resource improvement projects with crew, including selection of outside consultants, specifications, bidding, contract and project administration as well as determining any necessary changes, resolving contract disputes, and preparing, submitting and recommending change orders and payment requests. - Organizes natural resource activities in conjunction with other District departments, volunteers, legal counsel, standing committees and outside agencies. - Forms partnerships with other land management agencies to assist with the planning and implementation of natural resource projects. - Prepares and presents information and recommendations relevant to the Executive Director. - Promotes the advancement and understanding of the District and its natural resource initiatives to the general public, media and other public agencies through speaking engagements, public meetings, and representing the District on inter-agency committees. - Collaborates with the Planning & Development department on the creation of conceptual designs, master plans and grants to ensure the protection of the District various ecosystems.- Coordinates and communicates departmental activities with other Department Heads and outside agencies and organizations. - Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Executive Director and Commission regarding Department activities. - Coordinates with Human Resources department all activities within the Natural Resources department concerning employee benefits, recruitment, training, performance evaluations, workerscompensation, selection and promotion, job analysis and classification with the consent of the Executive Director. - Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director. - Works irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays. - Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois Drivers License free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the Districts fleet insurance carrier. - Obtains and maintains all required licenses and certifications. - Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook. Operations: - Establishes positive relationships with community, volunteers, staff, commissioners and preserve users. - Provides first aid and CPR to injured preserve users and/or employees. - Assists preserve users by providing information and answering questions. Staff Supervision: - Supervises Restoration Ecologist and Wildlife Biologist; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
Appl: All candidates must apply on-line at: http://www.kaneforest.com/employment/apply.aspx
Contact: Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Betsy Scaletta, Human Resources Specialist, 1996 South Kirk Road, Suite 320, Geneva, Illinois 60134. Ph: 630-208-8662, Fax: 630-232-2038, Email: scalettabetsy@kaneforest.com, Website: http://kaneforest.com/employment/apply.aspx.
Filing Date: 2/8/16.
