Land Conservation Specialist - Virginia, IL

Lewis and Clark Community College; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewis & Clark Community College seeks a Land Conservation Specialist to deliver conservation planning and technical guidance for CRP and related programs across multiple counties in Illinois. You will collect data, draft plans, and help maintain wildlife habitat improvements while coordinating with NRCS staff and landowners.

The role involves field and office work from a home NRCS office, with occasional travel and reimbursement for miles driven.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; strong interest in biology, botany, ecology, forestry and wildlife habitat management.
• Bachelor's degree in natural resources or related field preferred; agriculture background advantageous.
• Working knowledge of CRP and similar Farm Bill programs is beneficial.
• Experience with agricultural producers and private landowners is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide conservation planning and technical guidance on CRP and WRE programs.
• Collect data and prepare conservation plans for CRP establishments.
• Develop wildlife and burn plans for CRP contracts and monitor WR/WRP activities.
• Engage landowners and partners to establish new CRP conservation agreements.
• Coordinate fieldwork across Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Mason, and Fulton counties.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Wildlife habitat management

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Written and verbal skills

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree in natural resources or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Suite

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking a Land Conservation Specialist (LCS) to provide agricultural conservation assistance to the USDA-NRCS in a multi-county region. The LCS will provide conservation planning, outreach, and mid-contract management to agricultural producers and private landowners, leveraging Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) opportunities to achieve wildlife and water quality goals. The position is responsible for accurate documentation, timely reporting, and measurable progress toward conservation objectives.

This specific LCS territory will work out of Virginia, IL NRCS office and will be responsible for covering Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Mason, and Fultoncounties.

• Provide conservation assistance to agricultural producers and private landowners as a technical expert on all aspects of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
• Collect data and consult with landowners on conservation plans for new CRP establishments.
• 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).
• Write wildlife and burn plans for CRP contracts.
• Assist with annual Wetland Reserve Program/Wetland Reserve Easement (WRP/WRE) monitoring and administration as needed, fostering collaboration with NRCS and partner agencies.
• Actively target new CRP conservation agreements with landowner outreach and one-on-one consultation, building strong relationships.
• Work across a multi-county region (Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Mason, and Fultoncounties) performing both field and office work.
• Participate in professional development through field training, conferences, workshops, and online courses; occasional reimbursable travel outside the region required.
• Conduct office work primarily at NRCS-USDA Service Centers; utilize NRCS vehicles for fieldwork or receive mileage reimbursement at the federal rate when using a personal vehicle.
• Develop field-specific project plans and cost estimates, ensuring accuracy and fiscal responsibility.
• Facilitate positive working relationships with NRCS staff, local agencies, agricultural producers, private landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Understand and communicate state and federal conservation programs to implement best management practices (BMPs) for soil, watershed, and wildlife goals, leveraging innovation to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Assist NRCS with administrative tasks, outreach, and CRP/WRP/WRE monitoring needs, demonstrating accountability for timely and accurate support.
• Comply with mandatory drug testing and security background check, with fingerprinting.
• Maintain a 37.5-hour workweek, Monday-Friday; position funded through NRCS grant secured through October 2028.

• Associate's Degree
• Strong interest in and knowledge of biology, botany, ecology, forestry, restoration and management of wildlife and their habitat requirements and habitat management techniques.
• Familiarity with wildlife management and forest management practices for habitat restoration.
• Familiarity with a variety of computer software applications including ArcGIS Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective organizational, written, and verbal skills.
• The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e.FSA, IDNR, NGOs, NRCS, SWCDs, etc.), as well as independently, and able to prioritize a varied workload.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Land Conservation Specialists should be strong hikers and capable of working 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.
• Experience working with agricultural producers and private landowners.

Physical Demands

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

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 Affiliated Assurance. 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 group status as defined by law. If interested, please contact the Human Resource Department, Erickson Hall - Room 107.