Land Conservation Specialist - Martinsville, IL

Lewis and Clark Community College; Martinsville (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Lewis & Clark Community College’s National Great Rivers Center seeks a Land Conservation Specialist to deliver conservation planning and technical assistance to USDA-NRCS across eight counties in Illinois. The role emphasizes CRP/WRE program support, field visits, documentation, and multi-county coordination.

The LCS will assist with outreach, reporting, and program monitoring, while developing NRCS objectives and maintaining strong stakeholder relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resources field; biology/ecology/forestry background preferred.
• Strong knowledge of natural resources management and conservation practices.
• Experience with CRP and/or Farm Bill programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide conservation technical assistance for CRP and WRE programs.
• Conduct field visits and develop conservation plans for landowners.
• Document practice conditions and support NRCS reporting and monitoring.
• Coordinate across multiple counties to implement conservation practices.
• Assist with outreach, training, and administrative tasks.

Skills

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS mapping

Illinois plant ID

Education

B.S. in natural resources

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

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.

Physical Demands

• 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 ID skills.
• 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.

Work Location, Schedule, & Travel

Work from a home NRCS office when not conducting field work. Use of the NRCS vehicles while performing work duties is allowable and reimbursement of mileage when using personal vehicles is paid at the IRS standard mileage rate. Commuting to and from the home office is not reimbursable. Work hours are 37.5 hours per week, M-F. Occasional overnight stays will be required for trainings and meetings.

Team Members can expect a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity, along with an excellent benefits package.

The College’s standard hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (includes a one-hour unpaid lunch). Individual position schedules may vary or be adjusted by the department manager based on operational needs. Alternate schedules are observed during the summer

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Aff ... In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. It is also the policy of the College to prohibit any form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected.