District Forester

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a District Forester for the Division of Forestry. This position will provide planning and management expertise to all State and Federal Forestry programs and mandates on state and private lands in their respective areas; ensure the rules and regulations of the forestry programs are followed and collect refunds of cost-share funds for noncompliance; assists supervisor, program staff and local USDA personnel in preparation of annual regional cost-share program and operational budgets; assist clients and government units with grant applications and awards; and serve as a liaison with various agencies, organizations, constituents and interest groups. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the Regional Forestry Administrator, provides professional planning and management expertise and consultation to both public and private sectors in forest management/stewardship, silviculture, reforestation, urban and community forestry, forest product utilization, watershed management, fire management, Tree Farm program management, outdoor recreation, forest health monitoring, and forest protection.
• Plans, administers, controls, and approves the expenditures of state and federal forestry cost- share funds, and grant funds within the District.
• Using a team approach, consults, plans, and participates with other DNR Divisions and Department personnel.
• Develops and implements annual plan of work for the District.
• Develops and implements on-going information programs and activities utilizing available local media outlets.
• Periodically participates in conducting and evaluating research studies, surveys, and investigations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated
  above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Require knowledge skill, and mental ability equivalent to a master’s degree in outdoor recreation, fish, wildlife, forestry, natural heritage resources management, or a related biological, life or natural science or requires a bachelor’s degree in the field supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of specialized conservation equipment operation and maintenance.
• Extensive knowledge of forestry, collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports.
• One (1) year of experience preparing and maintaining records and written narrative reports.
• Working knowledge of budgetary planning.
• One (1) year of experience 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:

• Requires the completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Requires valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in performance of duties.
• Requires ability to obtain a pesticide/herbicide license within 6 months of employment.
• Requires ability to obtain Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certification.
• Requires ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires ability to lift loads which may exceed sixty pounds.
• Requires ability to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance.
• Requires ability to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles while carrying or otherwise transporting a variety of equipment.

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

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 furture generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans.