NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

Essential Functions

1. Under general supervision of the Technical Services Supervisor, provides natural resource professional consultative and coordinative services to the Land Reclamation Division staff:
•Establishes, plans, coordinates, and implements measures for the review of coal mining permit applications containing wildlife habitat reclamation plans and threatened/endangered species protection measures.
•Routinely identifies the need for protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats and resources in the field.
•Provides professional wildlife management and compliance expertise to the Land Reclamation Division staff.
•Conducts final revegetation success inspections of post-mining wildlife land use areas including forest, grassland, aquatic, and wetland habitat types to determine their eligibility for Phase III bond release.

2.Serves as Department liaison with state and federal officials:
•Coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding federally listed threatened/endangered species and protected habitat that may be affected by surface coal mining operations and reclamation activities.
•Assists other IDNR staff with ecological compliance assessment tool (EcoCAT) regarding state listed threatened/endangered species and protected habitats that may be affected by surface coal mining operations and reclamation activities.

3.Functions as staff member with engineers and other professional staff:
•Assists with field inspections of mine sites and evaluations of abatement and reclamation techniques at assigned mining operations with regard to the division’s statutes.
•Prepares permit application related correspondence.
•Reviews permit applications, issues notice of violation and cessation orders for operators in violation of permitting and performance standards.

4.Conducts research on lands affected by reclamation activities:
•Reviews scientific journals, books, and reports on affected lands.
•Participates in professional meetings to obtain and exchange information concerning management and regulation of wildlife habitats and compliance as it pertains to the protection and enhancement of threatened/endangered species on lands affected by surface coal mining operations and reclamation activities.

5.Assists in the development of regulation proposals, including administrative rules and legislation:
•Participates in the development of regulation proposals related to wildlife, threatened/endangered species, and the management of wildlife habitats on lands affected by surface coal mining operations and reclamation activities.
•Serves as an expert witness in hearings and court cases when requested to do so.

6.Communicates division information to interested groups:
•Develops and implements informational programs and activities concerning the reclamation of wildlife habitats.
•Participates in presentations to schools, civic clubs, and other interested groups and organizations.
 

7.Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1.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; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in the field supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One (1) year of extensive knowledge of land reclamation policies, programs, and services and state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to wildlife and wetlands, surface mining methods, and of the Surface Mining Land Conservation and Land Reclamation Act.
2. One (1) year of working knowledge of public relations principles and techniques, audio/visual and other interpretive methods, theories, and practices.
3.One (1) year of experience in establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, other Natural Resource employees, and the general public.
4.One (1) year of experience in delivering planned and impromptu information 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. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

1. Ability to pass background check

2. Valid Driver’s license

3. Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

Agency and Division Statements

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 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.