LAND RECLAMATION SPECIALIST II

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Land Reclamation Specialist II for The Office of Mines and Minerals. This position will inspect sites for regulatory compliance with regard to wildlife, vegetation, soil, and water quality.  This position will anticipate potential problems at mine sites and communicate with operators to address potential problems by conducting on-site evaluations of areas proposed for operations within mining permit applications.  Land Reclamation is a Division within the Department of Mines and Minerals and is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act of 1971 and the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act of 1980. This enables Land Reclamation to function as the state's regulatory authority for the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.  We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today. 

Essential Functions

• Visits sites and consults with operators of permitted coal mining operations to ensure compliance with permit obligations and current mining regulations.
• Under direction, provides technical advice and consultation to mining companies in the preparation and review of plans for reclamation projects.
• Prepares correspondence expressing Land Reclamation Division decisions and policy in response to permit applications.
• Reviews mining plans, maps, and aerial imagery for future and current mining operations.
• Collects data concerning affected acreage reports, soil depth checks, mining progress, reclamation progress, and water monitoring reports.
• Issues citations and cessations to operators violating the statutes and regulatory performance standards.
• Consults with supervisor concerning policy formulation according to Departmental policies, rules, regulations, and situations encountered in the field.
• 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 courses in ecology, agriculture or forestry.
• Requires three years of professional experience in the reclamation of lands affected by surface mining.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of the Surface Mine Land Conservation and Reclamation Act.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of surface mining methods and techniques.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of map presentation and interpretation.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of soil testing, soil typing, fertilization and adaptable crop and pasture plants.
• Two (2) years of experience providing technical assistance and guidance.
• Two (2) years of experience operating scientific instruments and equipment effectively.

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 Mines and Minerals

The Office of Mines and Minerals (OMM) is comprised of four divisions: Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation, Mine Safety and Training, and Blasting, Explosives and Aggregate Reclamation.  Within these divisions, the office:

• regulates the mining industry throughout the State of Illinois, 
• regulates the possession, use, and storage of explosives, 
• and enforces various acts which govern the mining industry.

In addition, the office is charged with ensuring the health and safety of the thousands of mine workers through the Mine Safety and Training Division, and through administering the Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation program, provides reclamation ensuring public and environmental safety from abandoned mine sites.