NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SPECIALIST, OPT 4 - 2883301

Position Overview

Under general direction of the Endangered Species Program Manager for the Division of Natural Heritage, assists in the development and implementation of recovery plans for state listed endangered and threatened species; coordinates management activities of professional field-based staff relative to endangered and threatened species; reviews and determines disposition of permit requests for the taking and/or possession of endangered and threatened species; conducts investigations and research on endangered and threatened species; prepares and disseminates technical information regarding the status and management of endangered and threatened species. 

Job Responsibilities

1. Coordinates implementation of recovery plans for state listed endangered and threatened species; recruits and organizes recovery team members and controls the development and dissemination of related reports.
2. Designs and coordinates surveys and investigations for endangered and threatened species; works with regional recovery specialists and Regional Administrators to recruit and organize ORC field staff, academic institutions, conservation partners and/or other volunteers in the investigation and survey of endangered and threatened species; coordinates the compilation and dissemination of related status reports.
3. Provides technical assistance and recommendations to the Impact Assessment Section for consultation under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act; confers with supervisor to develop management priorities for species of special concern.
4. Verifies element occurrence records and provides quality control for endangered and threatened species in the Natural Heritage Database. Together with the Endangered Species Program Manager, Regional Recovery Specialists, and Division Chief, develops performance targets for field-based staff to prepare and/or review existing records and perform required field validation.
5. Develops and implements permit procedures; reviews and authorizes issuance of permits; maintains listing of all permittees.
6. Administers endangered and threatened species projects funded by various sources; Develops project specifications, coordinates procurement of vendors and allocation of agency staff time; monitors construction or enhancement activities and processes payments.
7. Performs other duties required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master's degree in natural heritage resource management, or a related biological, life or natural science supplemented by two (2) years of directly related professional experience; or, requires a bachelor's degree in the field supplemented by four (4) years of directly related professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to secure and analyze information, and to exercise sound judgment in the analysis and evaluation of technical data, reports/papers.
2. Ability to work with other natural resource disciplines, and develop inter-disciplinary approaches to problems.
3. Ability to prepare/present technical data, statistics and detailed natural resource management reports.
4. Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and the general public.
5. Experience with spreadsheets, databases, statistical software, and GIS strongly preferred. 

Employment Conditions

1. Must be able to pass background check.

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.

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.