Senior Scientific Specialist, Land-Stream Conservation
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit go.illinois.edu/PRIjob.
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Land-Stream Conservation Specialist to plan, promote, and manage easements through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This involves coordination of office activities to facilitate new enrollments, overseeing field operations, and generating reports and summaries to describe progress toward CREP goals. This position will be based in Springfield, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Respond to requests for scientific/technical information from other stakeholders.
- Translate monitoring data into reports and presentation to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Organize and conduct field monitoring and assessment of CREP implementation.
- Assist PIs with development of new proposals.
- Provide responsive project management for landowners in the efficient and effective processing of the complex conservation easement process, including coordinating the initial application, technical, and field review with IDNR.
- Assist existing landowners to maximize easement conservation benefit and value through writing and coordinating Conservation Management Plans.
- Lead a team of staff for monitoring and assessment of CREP.
- Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
- Provide staff with technical training.
- Manage project budgets.
- Develop publications and in-person outreach to landowners eligible for federal CREP contract and state CREP conservation easement opportunities.
- Coordinate CREP easement monitoring with IDNR Division of Private-Land-Watersheds and other state and Federal partners (e.g., the Soil and Water Conservation District).
- Provide proper communication and training content to include program details and procedures, purpose of CREP conservation easements, and best practices for conservation easement management.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this
Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining stationary for extended periods of time working at a computer or may also require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois. 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, natural resources, environmental sciences, biology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years of experience with agricultural conservation science, policy, and practices. This must include field experience related to conservation practices and best management practices. Supervisory and leadership experience is required. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with government agencies and researchers in a range of scientific fields. Experience communicating with the public in rural areas.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of agricultural conservation, policy and private land conservation programs and opportunities (e.g., Conservation Reserve Enhanced Program and Illinois Wildlife Action Plan IWAP). Good understanding of ecological evaluation of landscape quality, and general ecology/biology of grassland, forests, wetlands, and wildlife; biodiversity, soil, and water resource conservation in agricultural settings. Demonstrated ability to independently complete complex tasks as required by the demands of the project. 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. Proficient with MS office software and database.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible on or after January 3, 2023. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by December 23, 2022. Apply for this position here https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2246?c=illinois using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Yong Cao at yongcao@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
