Land Conservation Specialist – Clinton, IL

Organization: National Great Rivers Research and Education Center

Position Title: Land Conservation Specialist

Location: Clinton, IL

Hours & Compensation: Full-time. $34,452.

Position Dates: 24-month position, which may be extended if funding is available.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Posted On: June 5, 2013.

Organization Overview:

The Center’s scholars and scientists study the ecology of the big rivers, the workings of the watersheds that feed them, and the ties to the river communities that use them.

Description:

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking a Land Conservation Specialists to actively target and implement conservation programs on private lands–focusing on IDNR’s state CREP program–to reduce sediment and nutrient loading and improve wildlife habitat in the Kaskaskia and Illinois River basins.

Land Conservation Specialists duties are expected to include providing technical assistance to county Soil and Water Conservation Districts in 1) CREP landowner outreach, and assistance with conservation easement execution; 2) Enhancement of new and existing CREP tracts through landowner consultation, forest and wildlife management planning, Farm Bill consultation, and USDA-NRCS Technical Service Provider coordination and consultation; and 3) Other private lands outreach and consultation to improve water quality and wildlife habitat in the Kaskaskia River basin. The Land Conservation Specialist’s primary duty station will be the DeWitt County SWCD office in Clinton, IL. The Land Conservation Specialist will work within a multi-county region in east-central Illinois.

Responsibilities:

• Using sound science and available data, the specialist will work with agency staff to identify strategic sites and conduct outreach to landowners in high priority areas.
• Actively targeting conservation easements and conservation practice implementation with landowner outreach and one-on-one contract and consultation.
• Coordinating and establishing working relationships with local agency staff and other stakeholder groups.
• Understanding watershed conditions and opportunities to leverage state and federal programs for the purposes of implementing conservation practices and BMPs.
• Evaluating private ground, assessing sources of nutrient and sediment loss and recommend the most applicable cost share or grant programs to maximize water quality, habitat benefits, and landowner needs.
• Developing field specific project plans and cost estimates.
• Working with landowners to negotiate practice implementation and provide technical assistance where needed.
• Directing landowners to relevant program support and agency staff and provide assistance on meeting eligibility requirements and completing “paperwork”.
• Developing project specific grant applications and provide administrative and technical assistance.
• Adhering to and meeting or exceeding established performance measures.

Qualifications:

• Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field, with a concentration in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, botany or related field, plus two years of experience in a related field.
• A Master’s degree can substitute for 2 years experience.
• Strong interest in and knowledge of biology, ecology and management of wildlife and their habitat requirements and habitat management techniques are essential.
• Requires working knowledge of forest management and best management practices for habitat restoration.
• Effective organizational, written, and verbal skills are a must.
• A working knowledge and/or experience with the state side of the CREP, conservation easements, and/or Farm Bill conservation programs is desirable.
• Applicant must have an IL Commercial Applicators License or have the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• The desired applicant will be proficient with a variety of computer software applications including ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A working knowledge of GPS equipment and land survey techniques is also recommended.
• Field work may be taxing. Land Conservation Specialists will need to be strong hikers and comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete field work efficiently.
• Requires the ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e. SWCDs, NRCS, FSA, NRCS, FSA, IDNR, NGOs, etc.), as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload.
• Requires possession of valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.

How to Apply:

Apply online at: https://jobs.lc.edu/postings/485

Contact Information:

National Great Rivers Research and Education Center at Lewis and Clark Community College, http://www.ngrrec.org

One Confluence Way, East Alton, IL 62024

Job URL: https://jobs.lc.edu/postings/485