NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST, Opt. 4

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Specialist for The Office of Water Resources, division of Coastal Management. This position will support successful completion of reporting requirements for federal grants received; support the Coastal pass-through grants program; provide technical expertise to coastal communities and partners; develop and nurture relationships and partnerships throughout the coastal zone and Great Lakes region; and advance coastal initiatives dedicated to Lake Michigan and Great Lakes protection, restoration and recreation. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master's degree in outdoor recreation, 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.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years experience identifying emerging state level coastal management issues and opportunities, such as adaptive management required to address climate change, water quality, port and waterfront economic redevelopment, and public outreach.
Two (2) years experience facilitating and participating in networks, teams, work groups or communities of practice.
Two (2) years experience developing and tracking budgets and progress for multiple concurrent projects and/or tasks.
Two (2) years experience writing technical reports, grants proposals or land management plans.
Two (2) years collecting information to analyze and evaluate technical data and reports.

Responsibilities

Serves as a project manager to plan, coordinate and implement projects or programs to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ natural and coastal resources.
Participates in developing, implementing and tracking of the annual plan of work for the Illinois Coastal Management Program, providing input into the budgets and work plans for federal grants that support the program.
Participates in regional planning efforts (Great Lakes region and the Illinois coastal region), meetings, workshops and conferences to advance Illinois’ coastal initiatives and coordination with coastal partners.
Provides technical support to local coastal stakeholders.
Leads or assists with development of educational or interpretive signage, displays, materials or electronic media to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ coastal resources.
Develops working relationships with Department staff as well as external partners; complies with all Departmental policies, procedures and safety rules and regulations.
Documents progress and maintains files in accordance with Department policies as well as federal grant reporting requirements.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties outlined above.