Natural Resources Advanced Specialist, Opt. 1

Position Overview

This position serves as the Region 1 or Region 5 Streams Biologist for the Division of Fisheries and works on a variety of fisheries issues on rivers and streams within the regional jurisdiction. The incumbent will work closely with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to collaboratively conduct the fish sampling component of annual intensive river basin surveys in accordance with Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, be the lead investigator for pollution-related fish and mussel kill valuations, and collect samples for contaminant testing. This position is responsible for sportfish and habitat assessments as well as conservation and management activities on rivers and streams within the regional jurisdiction. Reviews permit applications submitted to the Office of Water Resources and provides recommendations concerning work being proposed to avoid or mitigate environmental impacts. Reviews, plans, coordinates, and completes aquatic habitat enhancement and rehabilitation projects as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Essential Functions

• Conducts field studies to assess biological conditions, effectiveness of management activities and mitigation recommendations made in relation to river construction activities regarding river development, conservation, restoration, and enhancement projects.
• Reviews permits issued by the DNR Office of Water Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and makes recommendations concerning work being proposed. 
• Implements fisheries management activities including habitat improvements. 
• Coordinates with and gives direction to local government and public interest groups regarding river management, conservation, enhancement and development. 
• Reviews other river alteration activities, such as, but not limited to, highway construction or mining and makes recommendation concerning those activities. 
• Reviews, plans, coordinates, and completes aquatic habitat and environmental enhancement activities, including mitigation projects. 
• Conducts fish kill investigations in collaboration with Office of Law Enforcement and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; serves as the lead fisheries biologist for pollution-induced fish kill investigations and writes fish valuation reports. 
• Coordinates resource management responsibilities for and is the Department's liaison with federal, state, municipal, county agencies and private water owners, sharing responsibilities for resource.
• 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in stream ecology.
• One (1) year of knowledge and experience of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fisheries resource conservation
• Two (2) years of experience with specialized fisheries conservation equipment operation and maintenance.
• Two (2) years of experience in fish identification and modern fish management techniques.
• One (1) year of knowledge in public relations principles and techniques, audio/visual and other interpretive methods, theories and practices.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing and maintaining records and written narrative reports.
• Two (2) years of experience in collecting fisheries population information, analyzing and evaluating technical data and writing technical reports.
• One (1) year of experience in establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state and local governments, conservation organizations, other Natural Resource employees, and the general public.
• One (1) year of experience in delivering planned and impromptu informational presentations.

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:

1. Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

2. Valid driver’s license

3. Possession of certification as an Aquatic Pest Control Operator or ability to obtain within the first 6 
months of employment.

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

Agency & Division Statement

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.

Office of Resource Conservation

The Office of Resource Conservation strives to conserve the state's wildlife, fisheries, natural lands and forest resources for future generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans.