Conservation Director

Working Title: Illinois Nature Preserve Director

Position Title: Senior Public Service Administrator, Opt. 5

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Closing Date/Time: 07/12/2024

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,486 a month; Full Range $8,486 - $14,668

Job Type: Salaried

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Plan/BU: None

A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.

Req# 12-00-39058

Position Overview

This position manages the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission; coordinates and reviews the process of landowner requests, research permits, land and water registration, lease agreements and property easements; consults with the state, federal, and international agencies; develops and oversees budget plan; and works with IDNR Offices and Divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Fund.

Essential Functions

1.Manages the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, (INPC).

Develops and organizes goals and objectives within the statutory framework governing the INPC for all programmatic efforts directly affecting urban development, natural areas, and endangered species habitats.

Serves as the Division Manager over IDNR staff dedicated to the work of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

Directs the establishment, implementation, revision and direction of operations and program policies, procedures and rules, regulations, program objectives, and long-range plans for preserving the natural resources and endangered species habitats in Illinois.

Develops plans of work for preservation of natural resources and evaluates environmental impacts to endangered species inhabiting urban areas

2.Serves as full supervisor.

Assigns and reviews work.

Provides guidance and training to assigned staff.

Counsels staff regarding work performance.

Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operations.

Establishes annual goals and objectives.

Approves time off.

Adjust first level grievances.

Effectively recommends and imposes discipline, up to and Including discharge.

Prepares and signs performance evaluations.

Determines and recommends division staffing needs.

3.Coordinates and reviews through subordinate staff the process of landowner requests, research permits, land and water registrations, lease agreements and property easements.

Develops, reviews, and approves plans of work for nature preserves.

Provides managerial guidance and technical assistance to INPC and subordinate staff in the Issuance of research permits for biologists, scientists, and students to study and monitor rare species of plants and animals to assure compliance with state and federal statute.

Confers with landowners and INPC staff members on easements, and lease agreements on public and private properties housing natural habitats

Develops and/or approves plans of work for nature preserve dedications, and land and water registrations on landowner properties.

Develops technical plans of work for nature preserves open to the public for hiking bird watching, flowers trees and animals that face extinction in Illinois.

Coordinates efforts to address threats to, and encroachment upon boundaries of Illinois Nature Preserves.

4.Consults with the state, federal, and international agencies on regional, national, and international wildlife management issues, policy, and regulations.

Represents the Department at professional organizations serving as a technical expert.

Serves as the Department liaison representing on intra-and inter Agency committees and taskforces dealing with both preserving natural resources and endangered species habitats.

Testifies before legislative committees acting as an expert regarding environmental impacts.

Recommends revisions for statutory changes to address deficiencies in natural resources protection.

5.Develops and oversees budget plan to meet Commission and staff needs.

6.Works with other IDNR Offices and Divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Funds.

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

Minimum Qualifications

1.Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with course work in natural resource management, parks and recreation, or natural sciences.

2.Prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in environmental protection, natural resources preservation, and/or environmental management.

Preferred Qualifications

1.Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or related degree including but not limited to: Zoology, Biology, Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, etc.

2.Three (3) years of professional experience supervising a staff of five (5) or more employees.

3.Three (3) years of experience in natural resources management.

4.Three (3) years of experience in developing employee work plans or organizational strategic planning.

5.One (1) year of managing a budget or funds in a public or private entity.

6.Three (3) years of experience in development or review of site management plans.

7.Two (2) years of experience in public speaking and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.

8.Two (2) years of experience in the application of state and local laws that provide legal protection for high quality natural

areas.

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:

• Ability to pass background check.

• Ability to travel including overnight.

• Ability to work overtime as needed and be available, as necessary.

• Ability to work flexible hours outside of normal office hours.

• Possess a valid driver's license.

Work Hours: Monday

• Friday 8:00 a.m.

• 4:00 p.m. with a 30 min. Lunch

Work Location: IL Dept.of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1813

Agency Contact:

Vicky Fowler

Email: Vicky.fowler@illinois.gov

Phone #: (217) 785-5387

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

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.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

Nearest Major Market: Springfield