Program Manager

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Manager to provide front-line support for the Conservation Stewardship Program. This position coordinates with and trains ORC field staff and other appropriate staff in the delivery of professional/technical services to facilitate the review and/or the development of Conservation Management Plans; work with the Office Director to evaluate and make recommendations changes on state policies, programs, procedures, legislation and administrative rules; leads the development and evaluation of program‑related studies and investigations; travels the state to conduct statewide inspections and notifies the Department of Revenue of applicants who have not submitted the required Conservation Stewardship Program materials. As supervisor this position provides guidance and training to staff, approves time off and establishes annual goals and objectives. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today. 

Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Section Manager, administers the Department's Conservation Stewardship Program.
• Provides the Illinois Department of Revenue with all information necessary to coordinate implementation of the Conservation Stewardship Program.
• Develops and recommends updates to Conservation Stewardship operations manual.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of information systems used to facilitate the review of applications to
  the Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program.
• 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 a bachelor's degree in fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource management or in a related biological science.
• Requires five years progressively responsible professional experience in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience providing task-related direction and assistance for volunteers, landowners, sports enthusiasts, or the general public.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, other Natural Resource employees, and the general public.
• One (1) year of professional experience applying public relation principles, techniques, theories & practices, including the ability to deliver informational presentations.
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing technical direction/supervision to lower-level natural resource professional supportive staff, and others employing the services of the Department.
• Two (2) years of professional experience collecting data/information & analyzing technical data/reports.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource conservation.
• Two (2) years of professional experience applying natural resource management theory, principles, and practices.

Employment Conditions

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires valid Driver's license.
• 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.