NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST, Opt. 4

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Specialist for The Office of Water Resources, division of Coastal Management. This position will support successful completion of reporting requirements for federal grants received; support the Coastal pass-through grants program; provide technical expertise to coastal communities and partners; develop and nurture relationships and partnerships throughout the coastal zone and Great Lakes region; and advance coastal initiatives dedicated to Lake Michigan and Great Lakes protection, restoration and recreation. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

•  Under general supervision, serves as a project manager to plan, coordinate and implement projects or programs to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ natural and coastal resources. 
• Participates in developing, implementing and tracking of the annual plan of work for the Illinois Coastal Management Program, providing input into the budgets and work plans for federal grants that support the program.
• Participates in regional planning efforts (Great Lakes region and the Illinois coastal region), meetings, workshops and conferences to advance Illinois’ coastal initiatives and coordination with coastal partners. 
• Provides technical support to local coastal stakeholders. 
• Leads or assists with development of educational or interpretive signage, displays, materials or electronic media to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ coastal resources. 
• Develops working relationships with Department staff as well as external partners; complies with all Departmental policies, procedures and safety rules and regulations. 
• Documents progress and maintains files in accordance with Department policies as well as federal grant reporting requirements. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties outlined above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master's degree in outdoor recreation, natural heritage resource 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

• Two (2) years experience identifying emerging state level coastal management issues and opportunities, such as adaptive management required to address climate change, water quality, port and waterfront economic redevelopment, and public outreach. 
• Two (2) years experience facilitating and participating in networks, teams, work groups or communities of practice. 
• Two (2) years experience developing and tracking budgets and progress for multiple concurrent projects and/or tasks. 
• Two (2) years experience writing technical reports, grants proposals or land management plans. 
• Two (2) years collecting information to analyze and evaluate technical data and reports. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• 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.
• 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. 

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.