Land Conservation Specialist - Martinsville, IL

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking a Land Conservation Specialist (LCS) to provide agricultural conservation technical assistance to the USDA-NRCS in a multi-county region. The LCS will provide conservation planning, outreach, and management recommendations to agricultural producers and private landowners enrolled in federal conservation programs focused on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE).

The position is responsible for accurate documentation of practice conditions, timely reporting, and measurable progress towards NRCS conservation objectives.

This specific LCS position will work out of the Martinsville, IL NRCS office and be responsible for covering Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Jasper, and Crawford counties.

• Provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers and private landowners enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Program.
• Collect compliance-related data through field visits and consult with landowners on conservation plans for new and existing CRP establishments.
• Assess ecological resource concerns associated with CRP and WRE practices and contracts.
• Compile CRP conservation options and deliver technical guidance on mid-contract management practices to maintain high-quality restorations (e.g., prescribed fire, strip disking, strip spraying, inter-seeding, timber stand improvement).
• Assist with annual WRE monitoring and develop Cooperative Use Authorization for contracted easements.
• Assist NRCS with administrative tasks, outreach, monitoring, and partner training. .
• Work across a multi-county region performing both field and office work.
• Participate in professional development through field training, conferences, workshops, and online courses.
• Facilitate positive working relationships with NRCS staff, local agencies, agricultural producers, private landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Attaining NRCS Conservation Planner I certification within 1 year of hire.

• Associate's degree or higher
• Basic knowledge of natural resources management.
• Familiarity with grassland and wetland management practices for habitat restoration.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective organizational, written, and verbal skills.
• The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others as well as independently, and able to prioritize a varied workload.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance coverage meets state minimum requirements at all times.
• Land Conservation Specialists should be strong hikers and capable of working in adverse environmental conditions.

• Able to work in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete fieldwork efficiently.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resources field, with a concentration in biology, botany, ecology, forestry, wildlife biology or related field.
• A background in agriculture and/or working knowledge of agriculture.
• Working knowledge of the Conservation Reserve Program and/or other Farm Bill conservation programs.
• General knowledge of hunting and hunting culture.
• Assessing habitat concerns and providing restoration recommendations.
• ArcGIS mapping experience.
• Strong Illinois plant s.
• Experience conducting habitat management and restoration (e.g. conducting prescribed fires).
• Experience working with agricultural producers and private landowners.
• Public outreach experience.
• Excellent customer service skills.