Natural Resource Advanced Specialist (IDNR Springfield, IL)
Full-Time
Salary: $4,873 - $7,392 (Monthly)
Job Description:
Under general direction of the Section Manager, functions as a statewide project/program manager planning, executing, coordinating and evaluating the Natural Areas Stewardship Project/Program; provides major assistance in the formulation of policies and guidelines for stewardship of natural areas and endangered and threatened species habitats; administers stewardship program budgets provided by the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund capital appropriation; develops and writes stewardship grants; monitors grant monies and allocates project resources; works with agency procurement staff to insure compliance with agency and state contracting and purchasing policies and procedures; travels statewide to provide staff training as well as project development, implementation, troubleshooting, and evaluation; reviews and recommends legislation and administrative orders; acts as a lead worker to Invasive Species Specialist; consults with other Divisions, Office, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, and Department staff in the planning, coordination, and implementation of cooperative stewardship programs and projects; serves as a liaison with other State, Federal and local agencies as well as conservation partners and the general public promoting natural areas stewardship.
Required Qualifications:
Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master’s degree in outdoor recreation, fish, wildlife, forestry, natural heritage resource management, or a related biological life or natural science supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience or requires a bachelor’s degree in the field supplemented by four years of directly related professional experience. Degrees in plant or animal ecology, conservation biology, or natural resource management preferred. Requires thorough knowledge of Illinois’ flora, fauna (esp. endangered and threatened species) and natural communities and their threats. Requires two years progressively responsible experience in natural resources management and natural areas stewardship. Requires a thorough knowledge of Division objectives, policies and programs. Requires working knowledge of agency procurement rules, policies and procedures, and the ability to track multiple, complex tasks. Requires IT skills sufficient for processing documents of numerous types, project management, and reporting functions. Requires setting aside personal goals and desires for the greater good. Must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of staff (biologists, lawyers, accountants, and procurement) as well as vendors and contractors to achieve project goals. Past project management duties are desirable.
To Apply: contact John Wilker, Division of Natural Heritage, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. Can be contacted at 217-785-4559