LAND RECLAMATION SPECIALIST II

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Land Reclamation Specialist II for The Office of Mines and Minerals. This position will inspect sites for regulatory compliance with regard to wildlife, vegetation, soil, and water quality.  This position will anticipate potential problems at mine sites and communicate with operators to address potential problems by conducting on-site evaluations of areas proposed for operations within mining permit applications.  Land Reclamation is a Division within the Department of Mines and Minerals and is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act of 1971 and the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act of 1980. This enables Land Reclamation to function as the state's regulatory authority for the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.  We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today. 

Essential Functions

• Under direction, provides technical advice and consultation to mining companies in the preparation and review of plans for reclamation projects.
• Visits and consults with operators of surface and underground mine operators to ensure compliance with current laws.
• Prepares permit and application related correspondence with regard to divisional decisions and policy.
• Reviews permit applications for the area.
• Prepares maps for future and current mining operations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with courses in ecology, agriculture or forestry.
• Requires three years of professional experience in the reclamation of lands affected by surface mining.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers extensive knowledge of the Surface Mine Land Conservation and Reclamation Act.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of surface mining methods and techniques.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of map presentation and interpretation.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of soil testing, soil typing, fertilization and adaptable crop and pasture plants.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience providing technical assistance and guidance.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience operating scientific instruments and equipment effectively.

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities: 

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid drivers license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
  
  

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Office of Mines and Minerals

The Office of Mines and Minerals (OMM) is comprised of four divisions: Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation, Mine Safety and Training, and Blasting, Explosives and Aggregate Reclamation.  Within these divisions, the office:

• regulates the mining industry throughout the State of Illinois, 
• regulates the possession, use, and storage of explosives, 
• and enforces various acts which govern the mining industry.

In addition, the office is charged with ensuring the health and safety of the thousands of mine workers through the Mine Safety and Training Division, and through administering the Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation program, provides reclamation ensuring public and environmental safety from abandoned mine sites.