Director of Natural Resources

Classification : Full-time

Department : Natural Resources

Work Location : Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL) with travel to all Forest Preserve sites.

FLSA : Exempt

IMRF : Eligible

Pay: Grade 9: $73,538 - $102,953. Starting pay at base of range.

Benefits: CCFPD Employee Benefits

Hours : Typical work hours are 6:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Thursday unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Natural Resources is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing best practices for natural areas management throughout the Forest Preserves. This includes invasive plant management; restoration and conservation of prairies, savannas, forests, and wetlands; and support of the Forest Preserve’s education and recreation efforts.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Natural Resources reports to the Deputy Executive Director. This position supervises other full-time staff as well as seasonal employees, interns, and/or volunteers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a natural resource management plan for all natural areas within the Forest Preserves in accordance with the Forest Preserve’s Strategic Plan as well as priorities and goals established by the Executive Director and the Board of Commissioners.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate natural resources staff.
• Supervise all natural resources monitoring, maintenance, and restoration/conservation efforts in consultation with other Forest Preserve staff.
• Monitor the presence of invasive plants and/or endangered species within the Forest Preserves. Formulate management plans and/or recommend response based on federal, state, or local regulations.
• Prepare annual department budgets in accordance with Forest Preserve policies and procedures. Monitor expenditures and maintain adequate fiscal controls to remain within approved budget.
• Lead initiatives to develop, track, and publicize Forest Preserve’s work in increasing environmental sustainability, and ensure that climate change is considered in all planning processes.
• Prepare bid specifications for departmental equipment and materials.
• Develop and maintain records, reports, and documents related to the Forest Preserve’s natural resource management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and county laws pertaining to the management and operation of the Forest Preserve’s natural resources and conservation efforts.
• Explore possible local, state, and federal grant or endowment resources and collaborate with other Forest Preserve staff to submit applications as appropriate.
• Enhance public awareness and develop community interest in the Forest Preserve’s conservation and restoration efforts.
• Assist with oversight and management of agricultural areas owned by the Forest Preserves and leased to farmers. Manage Conservation Reserve Program contracts for compliance and best practices.
• Ensure natural resources equipment and facilities are maintained in a clean, safe, and efficient working order. Perform safety orientation and train staff in the safe operation of equipment and related maintenance.
• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the Forest Preserve’s Safety Manual and the departmental training manual.
• Work closely with the Deputy Executive Director to assess potential land acquisitions, evaluating sites and determining land management needs.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, including projects proposed by youth groups or community organizations.
• Serve as leader of burn crew to perform prescribed burns.
• Assist visitors with general questions regarding the Forest Preserves. Explain and enforce Forest Preserve rules and regulations and notify the appropriate authority regarding safety issues.
• Perform field work as needed based on operational needs and staffing levels.

Secondary Duties

• Attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners, Forest Preserve committees, and other events as required in support of Forest Preserve activities.
• Represent the Forest Preserves to other governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as the general public.
• Participate in continuing education through workshops, seminars, and other educational programs.
• Identify staff development and training needs for all natural resources staff and ensure training is obtained.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, forestry, park management, conservation biology, restoration ecology, environmental science, or related field of study required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Prior professional experience in a similar role including at least three years of experience with personnel administration, budget preparation, and natural resources management.
• Experience using various equipment including, but not limited to: trucks, mowers, tractors, backhoes, skid-steers, chain saws, brush cutters, and other specialized equipment.
• Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager certification or ability to obtain within 12 months from date of hire.
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license or the ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.
• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna and/or Midwest ecosystems.
• Proficiency in GIS software and spatial databases, along with skills in data management, spatial analysis, and cartographic design is preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships throughout the Forest Preserves.
• Knowledge of the practices and equipment associated with the operations and maintenance of the preserve and its facilities.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated good safety awareness.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to learn, a working knowledge of the Forest Preserve’s rules and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Work boots
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Protective gloves
• Respirators or masks
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Helmets
• Chaps

Please Note : Studies have shown that people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women and other excluded or historically excluded people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

EOE Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.