NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST, Opt. 1

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Specialist for the Office of Resource Conservation. This position will participate in the development of management area goals and objectives and develop a plan of work; formulate resource management strategies for the long-term management and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources; provide technical work-related guidance to professional, technical, and other support staff; apply fish toxicant and aquatic herbicide; prepare and maintain various technical records and reports such as progress, daily and/or monthly activity reports, programmatic cost reports and expenditure accounts. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the Region Administrator as District Fisheries Biologist, provides professional comprehensive fisheries and aquatic resource, environmental and outdoor recreation management and planning services on all waters and designated projects within assigned counties. 
• Collects, compiles, analyzes and evaluates data relative to fisheries and aquatic resource and outdoor recreation planning projects utilizing computer-assisted analysis programs. 
• Prepares feasibility studies and fisheries and aquatic resource management plans for projects and programs.
• Acts as liaison or serves as the Administrator's representative with state and federal agencies and organizations to coordinate fisheries and aquatic resource environmental and outdoor recreation planning and management efforts i.e. Illinois Natural History Survey Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Illinois Division of Water Resources Illinois State Water Survey U.S. Fish Wildlife Service state and federal Departments of Agriculture U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Soil Water Conservation Districts. 
• Prepares and disseminates information regarding agency programs rules and regulations to the general public, interested individuals, and organizations; participates in public information and /or participation programs. 
• Participates in the preparation and prioritization of the operating budget for the Fish Management Area. 
• Confers with the Administrator in conducting and implementing management or research studies to provide additional knowledge for more effective management of statewide fisheries and aquatic resources. 
• 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; or requires a bachelor's degree in the field supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge and experience operating and maintaining specialized fisheries conservation equipment operation and maintenance. 
• Extensive knowledge and experience with fish identification and modern fish management techniques. 
• One (1) year of experience implementing public relations principles and techniques, audio/visual and other interpretive methods, theories and practices. 
• Two (2) years of experience preparing and maintaining records and writing narrative reports.
• Two (2) years of experience collecting fisheries population information and analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports. 
• Two (2) years of experience establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state or local governments, conservation organizations, other Natural Resource employees, and the general public. 
• 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 appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to obtain an Illinois Aquatic Pest Control Applicator’s Certificate within 6 months of employment.
• Requires ability to perform physically demanding work.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. 

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 future generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans.