NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SPECIALIST

Job Requisition ID: 48343 
Closing Date: 07/29/2025
​Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SPEC - 28833 
Skill Option: Natural Areas 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/25) $6,589 Monthly; Full Range $6,589 - $9,541 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062
Merit Comp Code: 

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Advanced Specialist for the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This position will serve as the CREP Private Lands Ecologist, providing natural resource planning, technical assistance, enrollment coordination, program development and resource data management. For over 25 years, Illinois CREP has established State, Federal and local partnerships to provide conservation incentives for Illinois private landowners, Illinois CREP offers long-term conservation contracts, paired with conservation easements, to improve water quality, capture nutrient runoff, reduce stream sedimentation and establish critical fish and wildlife habitat on private lands within the Illinois and Kaskaskia River Watersheds. As one of the oldest and most popular CREP programs in the nation, Illinois CREP has achieved restoration and long-term protection of over 90,000 acres throughout the state of Illinois. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Manager, serves as the CREP Private Lands Ecologist.
• Provides coordination and technical assistance for the CREP easement enrollment process.
• Provides technical recommendations and collaborates on all aspects of CREP program development.
• Assists and facilitates CREP Data Management.
• Conducts outreach and promotes CREP through articles, publications and presentations to partners, stakeholders, and private landowners. Conducts research on a variety of conservation disciplines.
• Performs other duties 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

• Three (3) years of experience implementing U.S. Farm Bill conservation programs and conservation practices on private lands.