Position Overview

The Natural Resource Specialist serves as a District Forester to manage State and Federal Forestry programs and mandates on state and private lands, assists with budgetary planning, develops and implements plans of work, develops and implements information programs, participates in research studies, surveys, and investigations.

Job Responsibilities

1. Under general supervision of the Regional Forestry Administrator, provides professional planning and management expertise and consultation to both public and private sectors in forest management/stewardship, silviculture, reforestation, urban and community forestry, forest product utilization, watershed management, fire management Tree Farm program management, outdoor recreation, forest health monitoring, and forest protection:

• Conducts rural and urban forest and related resources inventories, surveys and investigations.
• Analyzes data collected and writes and approves long-term comprehensive plans for the management/stewardship of forest and related resources.
• Provides professional counsel and physically assists landowners and communities in preliminary phases of resource management practices designed to improve the growth and quality of rural and urban forest.
• Travels throughout the state.
• Applies pesticides and herbicides for the eradication of weeds and insects.
• Plans and conducts prescribed burns.

2. Plans, administers, controls and approves the expenditures of state and federal forestry cost share funds, and grant funds within the District:

• Assists supervisor and program staff and local USDA personnel in preparation of annual regional cost-share, program and operational budgets.
• Determines the most effective means for utilizing and allocating cost-share and program funds.
• Has discretionary spending authority within the regulations of the Forestry Division operational budget.
• Ensures compliance with the rules and regulations of the forestry programs and collects refunds of cost-share funds for noncompliance.
• Assesses seed collection potential within the district.
• Administers contracts and payment for cost-share programs.
• Provides information to Department of Revenue concerning taxation of forest lands.
• Assists clients and local units of government in the preparation of grant applications.
• Assists program staff in the evaluation of grant applications and award of grants.
• Assists grant recipients in documentation of expenditures and reports to program staff.
• Participates in audits of cost-share and grant programs.

3. Using a team approach, consults, plans and participates with other DNR Divisions and Department personnel:

• Provides services to State resource projects using Comprehensive Review Process and Plan of Work input.
• Manages complex natural resources issues on public and private lands.
• Joins other State, Federal, local agencies, and organizations in fulfilling various cooperative agreements and MOU's, providing forest management planning expertise.
• Serves as a local liaison with the afore mentioned agencies, organizations, constituent, and interest groups.

4. Develops and implements annual plan of work for the District:

• Participates in establishing District goals and objectives.
• Prepares and submits semi-monthly accomplishment reports, auto and other misc. reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master's degree in outdoor recreation, fish, wildlife, forestry, natural heritage resources management, or a related biological, life or natural science; or,
• Requires a bachelors degree in the field supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of specialized conservation equipment operation and maintenance.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, ecological and/or geological attraction identification and modern fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage management techniques.
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of budgetary planning.
• Two (2) years of working experience preparing and maintaining records and written narrative reports.
• Two (2) years of experience collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports.
• Two (2) years of experience delivering planned and impromptu informational presentations.

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.

• Ability to pass background check.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide/herbicide license within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to obtain Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certification.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to lift loads which may exceed sixty pounds, to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistances, to use various equipment while standing in a moving boat, and to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles while carrying or otherwise transporting a variety of equipment.

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.