NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER II

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Manager for The Office of Water Resources, division of Coastal Management.  This position will administer, coordinate and evaluate the Illinois Coastal Management Program; direct and oversee successful completion of reporting requirements for federal grants received; manage the Coastal pass-through grants program; supervise and mentor program staff; and advance coastal initiatives dedicated to Lake Michigan and Great Lakes protection, restoration and recreation. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under administrative direction, functions as a highly technical program administrator.
• Plans, develops, administers, coordinates and evaluates the federal Grant Awards.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Serves as alternate liaison to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and US Environmental Protection Agency as well as local, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and the general public.
• Oversees and guides Coastal and Great Lakes education and outreach programs and activities.
• Identifies management research needs.
• Reviews and approves Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plans as required for the Coastal Great Lakes Programs and projects.

• 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 bachelor's degree in fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource management or in a related biological science.
• Requires six years progressively responsible professional experience in fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource conservation.
• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of division objectives, policies, programs and services.
• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of natural resource management theory, principles and practices.
• Two (2) years of experience directing, supervising and evaluating staff and operations within an assigned geographical region, or a major statewide resource program.
• Two (2) years of experience in preparing/presenting comprehensive natural resource management reports.
• Two (2) years of experience in projecting budgetary and staffing needs.
• Two (2) years of experience in securing and analyzing information, and to exercise sound judgment in the analysis and the evaluation of technical data, reports/papers.
• Two (2) years of experience in establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and the general public

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. Ability to pass background check.

2. Valid driver’s license.

3. Ability to travel as needed.

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 Water Resources

The Office of Water Resources (OWR) is the lead state agency for water resources planning, navigation, floodplain management, coastal management, the National Flood Insurance Program, water supply, drought, and interstate organizations on water resources. lnteragency duties include the state water plan, drought response, flood emergency reports, and the comprehensive review of Illinois water use law. OWR is responsible for construction in the shore waters of Lake Michigan, construction and operation of dams, construction in public bodies of water, and diversion of water from Lake Michigan, and withdrawal of water from three Federal lakes (Shelbyville, Carlyle, and Rend Lakes). The primary capital activity of the office is in urban flood damage reduction. The office assists units of local government with urban flood damage reduction projects through planning, design, construction, and financial assistance. The urban program also features the acquisition of flood prone homes and businesses. The Office of Water Resources is the lead agency administering two federal-state partnerships (one with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and one with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) that guide and fund the Illinois Coastal Management Program.