BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST (TECHNICAL MANAGER IV)

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Hybrid scheduling

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental

Pension Plan

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking a Biological Resources Specialist IV to provide expert biological and wetland analysis for state projects. The role includes managing environmental survey requests, guiding project mitigation, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Ideal candidates will hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with experience in surveys and environmental documentation, and be prepared for a hybrid work schedule in Springfield, Illinois.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with two years' experience in biological/wetland surveys or eight years in lieu of degree.
• Experience evaluating impacts to natural resources and preparing environmental documents is expected.

Responsibilities

• Analyze project involvement with biological and wetland resources and coordinate results.
• Provide technical guidance on biological and wetland resources to divisions and offices.
• Prioritize and monitor activities of survey staff.
• Share technical information with IDOT offices and regulatory agencies.
• Engage with agencies (USEPA, IEPA, USACE, IDNR, USFWS) to resolve issues and monitor regulatory changes.
• Ensure all duties comply with safety rules and promote fair treatment of staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Oral and written communication

Administrative program planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, biological sciences, or ecology

Tools

GIS

Job description

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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST (TECHNICAL MANAGER IV)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59707 IPR #2026-01815
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Postion Title: Technical Manager IVSalary:Anticipated Starting Salary $5,432 Monthly; Full Range: $5,432 - $9,713 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters
Work Hours: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Monday-Friday
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Work Location: 2300 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62764
Work County: Sangamon

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

This position is accountable for providing the department with biological and wetland expertise, technical analysis of departmental projects and determining their impacts on biological and wetland resources of the state. This position determines the appropriate mitigation for identified impacts and preparing others on how to complete necessary environmental documents. This position manages environmental survey requests (ESR) for district state, local roads, rail, and other project submittals.

Essential Functions

• Performs analysis of project involvement with biological and wetland resources and coordinates results with departmental offices and natural resource agencies.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance to all departmental divisions and offices regarding biological and wetland resources.
• Assigns priorities and monitors activities of the contractual survey staff.
• Disseminates technical information to the appropriate Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offices.
• Meets with natural resources regulatory agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to resolve project issues and keep abreast of the constantly changing regulatory climate.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in environmental sciences, biological sciences, or ecology PLUS two years of experience with biological and wetland surveys; assessments and reports; evaluating impacts to natural resources assessments such as fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat; OR Eight years of experience with biological and wetland surveys, assessments, and reports, evaluating impacts to natural resources assessments such as fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to plan, organize, execute, and evaluate administrative program requirements.
• Working knowledge of web-based tools, specifically geographic information systems (GIS).
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires frequent statewide travel and occasional out-of-state travel with overnight stays.
• Requires successful completion of a background screening.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Biological Resources Specialists.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment.We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources