Assistant Office Director

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire an Assistant Office Director. This position will assist with preparing the operational budget and monitor various state and federal cooperative programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in a leadership role providing guidance and training to employees, be able to organize, plan and develop policies, rules and regulations for the improvement of operations and programs. Working at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is not just about having a job; it’s about becoming part of a lasting legacy of conservation, community, and connection. Every role at IDNR, no matter the field, contributes to something larger: protecting the natural spaces that define our state and ensuring they thrive for future generations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Subject to administrative approval of the Office of Oil and Gas Resources Management Director, serves as Assistant Office Director and is responsible for direction, coordination, and evaluation of the operations of the Plugging and Restoration, Compliance, and Permitting and Technical Services Divisions through Section Managers
• Oversees the various section operations and programs
• Serves as full-line supervisor
• Assists Director with the preparation of operating budgets
• Serves as agency liaison with various groups and individuals
• Serves as the Office Director in his or her absence
• 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 four years of college with a degree in engineering, petroleum engineering, geology, petroleum geology or related physical or environmental science
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of managerial experience in Oil and Gas Regulation, Environmental Protection, or a related field
• Two (2) years of experience interpreting and applying the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and associated Regulations and/or the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act and associated Regulations
• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of Federal and State legislation having an impact on the regulation of the oil and gas industry in Illinois
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of agency programs administered by the Department
• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of managerial theory, principle, and practices applicable to assigned responsibilities
• Two (2) years of experience interpreting Federal and State legislation having an impact on the assigned area of responsibilities to subordinate staff and other agency personnel
• Two (2) years of experience in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with local, State and Federal governmental agencies, subordinate staff, and other agency employees
• Two (2) years of experience working with the Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Access, and Word

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. 

• Ability to pass background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires the appropriate, valid driver's license
• Requires the ability to travel in the 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

DNR 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.

The Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management

The Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management is the regulatory authority in Illinois for permitting, drilling, operating, and plugging oil and gas production wells. The Office implements the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and enforces standards for the construction and operation of related production equipment and facilities. In addition, the Office regulates the injection of fluids into underground injection wells, through the UIC Program, and cleans up abandoned well sites through the PRF and Landowner Grant Programs.