NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SPECIALIST

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resouces is looking to hire a Natural Resouces Advanced Specialist for the Division of Fisheries. This position works on a variety of fisheries issues on rivers and streams within the jurisdiction. This position will work closely with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to collaboratively conduct the fish sampling component of annual intenstive river basis surveys, be the lead investigator for pollution-related fish valuations, and collect samples for containment testing. This position will be responsible for habitat assessments as well as conservation and management activities, review permits issued by the DNR Office of Water Resources and provides recommendations, and reviews, plans, coordinates, and complete aquatic habitat enhancement and rehabilitation projects. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

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
• 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 management
• 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 Fisheries or a related fisheries science supplemented by two years of directly related professional fisheries experience; or requires a bachelor's degree in Fisheries or related fisheries science supplemented by four years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in stream ecology
• 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
• 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 delivering planned and impromptu informational presentations

Employment Conditions

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 completiong of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
• Requires possession of certification as an Aquatice Pest Control Operator or ability to obtain within the first 6 months of employment
• Requires ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 

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 Statements

Agency Statement 
Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, 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, vision health 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.