Wildlife Programs Section Manager

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Natural Resources Manager III for the Office of Resource Conservation. As Wildlife Programs Section Manager, the position leads administration and coordination of wildlife resource planning, management, and research activities within the Division. It coordinates with Program Managers and Field Operations to develop and implement annual wildlife program plans and share management recommendations with field staff and the public. The role also coordinates with the ORC Federal Aid and Special Fund Section on federal aid funds and other special fund grants, and develops research programs with state and federal agencies, universities, professional organizations, and other partners. Reporting to the Administrator of the Division of Wildlife Resources, the position provides specialized and advanced professional counseling statewide. It evaluates policies, programs, procedures, legislation, and administrative rules, and develops, recommends, or implements changes in consultation with the Division Administrator and other Program Managers. The manager supervises staff, coordinates the Division’s operational activities, serves as its liaison with government and private organizations, and directs development of the annual program budget and priorities. The position is based at IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a hybrid schedule potentially available for 2 to 5 days per week in the office depending on operational needs. Travel, including overnight stays as appropriate, is required. The position is subject to union contract provisions and requires a background check, criminal-history self-disclosure, and a valid driver’s license. It also requires annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest and is subject to specified revolving-door restrictions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife or a closely related biological science, or equivalent knowledge, skill, and mental development.
Six years of progressively responsible professional experience in wildlife.
Two years of professional supervisory experience, such as experience as a statewide natural resource program manager or regional resource manager.
Appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel in performance of duties, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Ability to meet the stated conditions of employment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
File annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest as required for the position.
Comply with applicable revolving-door restrictions, including notifying the OEIG before accepting certain non-State employment offers during state employment or within one year after leaving State employment.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate statewide wildlife resource planning, management, and research activities within the Division.
Coordinate with Program Managers and Field Operations to develop and implement annual wildlife program plans of work and disseminate management recommendations to field staff and the public.
Coordinate administration of federal aid funds and other special fund grants with the ORC Federal Aid and Special Fund Section.
Develop research programs in coordination with state and federal agencies, universities, professional organizations, and other partners.
Provide specialized and advanced professional counseling statewide.
Evaluate existing state and federal policies, programs, procedures, legislation, and administrative rules; develop, recommend, and/or implement changes.
Serve as a full-line supervisor.
Coordinate operational activities of the Wildlife Resources Division to support comprehensive and integrated program development and implementation.
Serve as the Division’s liaison with federal and state governments and private organizations.
Plan, control, and direct development of the annual program budget and establishment of priorities.
Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the position.