NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SPECIALIST

Stewardship Project Manager (Natural Resources Advanced Specialist Opt. 4)

Essential Functions

1.  Reviews, coordinates peer review and landowner review and approves INPC special-use permits:

•  Maintains a computerized database in coordination with DoIT staff and manual files tracking compliance with special-use permits.
•  Participates in INPC reviews of project proposals being reviewed under the IDNR's Comprehensive Environmental Review and Consultation Programs.

2.  Reviews and approves master plans and/or management goals and management schedules for nature preserves and land and water reserves:

•  Applies broad-based and in-depth knowledge of management techniques and life histories, ecology and habitat needs of native plants and animals in the review management plans to ensure the viability of natural areas.
• Facilitates discussions between land managers and landowners in the application of stewardship actions that adhere to the administrative rules that guide activities in nature preserves and land and water reserves.

3. Assists in the maintenance of databases and develops summaries of land management activities for inclusion in reports such as the INPC's Biennial Report:
• Makes recommendations on stewardship issues to the Director.
• Drafts and updates the published " Management Guidelines” maintained by the Commission.

4. Advise and support volunteer organizations that complement the INPC capacity to steward and monitor lands in the Nature Preserves System and ensure compliance with all applicable rules:
• Facilitates support of volunteers by coordinating the necessary resources, technical advice, training, and provision of materials and supplies required for volunteer stewardship of INPC sites.

5. Conducts outreach to landowners, their management staff, and volunteer stewards of sites in the Nature Preserves System regarding ecological management
• Promotes the nature preserves program and advocates wise stewardship and responsible management through articles and publications.
• Gives programs and talks to organizations and constituency groups and provides general information on natural areas protection and stewardship to the public.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of 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 supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience or requires a bachelor's degree in the field supplemented by four years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of working experience using thorough knowledge of Illinois’ flora, fauna, and ecological resources.
2. Two (2) years of experience using thorough knowledge of Commission’s mission, the Department’s policies, programs and services, state and federal laws pertaining to outdoor recreation, fish, wildlife, forestry or natural areas conservation.
3. Two (2) years of working experience in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural areas management techniques.
4. One (1) year of working knowledge of natural areas management and endangered species management.
5. One (1) year working experience managing public relations using established principles and techniques, audio/visual presentation, social media, newsletters, websites and other interpretive methods, theories, and practices.
6. Three (3) years of experience collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports.
7. Two (2) years of working experience in the use of database applications or GIS Systems.

Employment Conditions

1. Ability to pass a background check.

2. Valid driver’s license.

3. Ability to travel.

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

Agency & Division Statements

Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, 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 mission of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) is to assist private and public landowners in protecting high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species; in perpetuity, through voluntary dedication or registration of such lands into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. The Commission promotes the preservation of these significant lands and provides leadership in their stewardship, management and protection.