Ecological Contaminant & Restoration Professional

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 work with the IDNR Contaminant Assessment Section on statewide contaminant issues and restoration projects, will assist by developing ecological restoration and monitoring plans, will review environmental contaminant assessment materials, and conduct internal project compliance reviews.  This position will also assist with collecting ecological data, planning potential site visits, and generating reports, presentations, and other materials. The Office of Resource Conservation within the IL Dept. of Natural Resources is responsible for the management of Illinois’ wildlife, fish, and forest resources, along with stewardship and restoration of natural lands.  We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the manager of the Contaminant Assessment Section, develops Natural Resource Damage Assessments (NRDA) based on the requirements of Federal guidelines.
• Assists in the development of restoration projects at various sites throughout Illinois.
• Coordinates site specific remedial investigations on various Department property that have been affected by hazardous substances or oil (or related products).
• Represents the Department on technical working groups regarding environmental response actions.
• Reviews Department-funded projects for contaminant issues and concerns.
• 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

• Two (2) years of education or knowledge in natural resource damage assessment or restoration techniques.
• One (1) year of education or work experience with federal and/or state guidance regarding ecological injury and risk assessment methods.
• One (1) year of knowledge of academic, state, and federal natural resource restoration programs and their relationship to both state and federal environmental regulations.
• Two (2) years of work experience with natural resource survey and monitoring techniques.
• One (1) year of experience in contract development and budget management associated with the contracts.

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. Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

2. Valid driver’s license

3. Requires 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 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 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.