NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST, Opt. 4

Working Title: Coastal Resources Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 57996 
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/06/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title:  NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 28832 
Skill Option:  Natural Heritage  
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: N/A

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.

Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to MY DOCUMENTS section of your application.

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 Specialist for The Office of Water Resources, division of Coastal Management. This position will support successful completion of reporting requirements for federal grants received; support the Coastal pass-through grants program; provide technical expertise to coastal communities and partners; develop and nurture relationships and partnerships throughout the coastal zone and Great Lakes region; and advance coastal initiatives dedicated to Lake Michigan and Great Lakes protection, restoration and recreation. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision, serves as a project manager to plan, coordinate and implement projects or programs to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ natural and coastal resources. 
• Participates in developing, implementing and tracking of the annual plan of work for the Illinois Coastal Management Program, providing input into the budgets and work plans for federal grants that support the program.
• Participates in regional planning efforts (Great Lakes region and the Illinois coastal region), meetings, workshops and conferences to advance Illinois’ coastal initiatives and coordination with coastal partners. 
• Provides technical support to local coastal stakeholders. 
• Leads or assists with development of educational or interpretive signage, displays, materials or electronic media to advance the protection, preservation, enhancement and stewardship of Illinois’ coastal resources. 
• Develops working relationships with Department staff as well as external partners; complies with all Departmental policies, procedures and safety rules and regulations. 
• Documents progress and maintains files in accordance with Department policies as well as federal grant reporting requirements. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties outlined above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master's degree in outdoor recreation, natural heritage resource management, or a related biological, life or natural science; or requires a bachelor's degree in the field supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years experience identifying emerging state level coastal management issues and opportunities, such as adaptive management required to address climate change, water quality, port and waterfront economic redevelopment, and public outreach. 
• Two (2) years experience facilitating and participating in networks, teams, work groups or communities of practice. 
• Two (2) years experience developing and tracking budgets and progress for multiple concurrent projects and/or tasks. 
• Two (2) years experience writing technical reports, grants proposals or land management plans. 
• Two (2) years collecting information to analyze and evaluate technical data and reports. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. 

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statement

DNR 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; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Office of Water Resources
The Office of Water Resources (OWR) is the lead state agency for water resources planning, navigation, floodplain management, coastal management, the National Flood Insurance Program, water supply, drought, and interstate organizations on water resources. lnteragency duties include the state water plan, drought response, flood emergency reports, and the comprehensive review of Illinois water use law. OWR is responsible for construction in the shore waters of Lake Michigan, construction and operation of dams, construction in public bodies of water, and diversion of water from Lake Michigan, and withdrawal of water from three Federal lakes (Shelbyville, Carlyle, and Rend Lakes). The primary capital activity of the office is in urban flood damage reduction. The office assists units of local government with urban flood damage reduction projects through planning, design, construction, and financial assistance. The urban program also features the acquisition of flood prone homes and businesses. The Office of Water Resources is the lead agency administering two federal-state partnerships (one with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and one with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) that guide and fund the Illinois Coastal Management Program. 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Headquarter Location: Coastal Management Program Office, 160 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact:  Vicky Fowler
Email:  View email address on us.fitly.work
Phone #: View phone number on us.fitly.work
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

REVOLVING DOOR:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

ECONOMIC INTEREST STATEMENT:
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

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:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work