Biological Resources Specialist (Technical Manager IV)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring two Biological Resources Specialists (Technical Manager IV) in Springfield, Illinois. The position provides the department with biological and wetland expertise, carries out technical analysis of projects and their impacts on biological and wetland resources, determines appropriate mitigation and prepares others on how to complete environmental documents. It also manages environmental survey requests for state, local roads, rail and other project submittals. The position is salaried, full time, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday, with a hybrid schedule of 2 to 5 days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze project involvement with biological and wetland resources and coordinate results with departmental offices and natural resource agencies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to all departmental divisions and offices on biological and wetland resources.
• Assign priorities and monitor the activities of the contractual survey staff.
• Disseminate technical information to the appropriate Illinois Department of Transportation offices.
• Meet with agencies such as USEPA, IEPA, USACE, IDNR and USFWS to resolve project issues and stay current on regulations.
• Perform duties in line with departmental safety rules and in a way that treats all employees fairly.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, biological sciences or ecology, plus two years of experience with biological and wetland surveys, assessments and reports and impact evaluations for fish, wildlife, plants and habitat; or eight years of such experience, or a combination.
• Preferred: ability to plan, organize, execute and evaluate administrative program requirements; working knowledge of GIS; effective oral and written communication.
• Valid driver's license, frequent statewide travel and occasional out-of-state travel with overnight stays, and a successful background screening.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the position is unionized.

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $5,432 per month, range $5,432-$9,713 per month.
• Health, life, vision and dental insurance, pension plan, maternity/paternity leave, deferred compensation and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible schedules, 12 paid weeks of vacation, 3 paid personal days and 13-14 paid holidays.