Position Overview

Under general supervision of the Office of Water Resources Director, this position serves as the Illinois Coastal Zone Program Administrator to plan, direct, implement, and administer all aspects of the coastal program. Has responsibilities for policies, strategic planning, and operations of the program; serves as administrator spokesperson for the program; oversees all budgeting, personnel, and volunteers.

Job Responsibilities

1. Under general supervision of the Office of Water Resources Director, serves as Administrator of the Illinois Coastal Zone Program:

• Plans, directs, and coordinates the overall operation of the Coastal Zone Program.
• Implements policies and procedures for the Illinois Coastal Zone Program.
• Coordinates a plan of action by coordinating with IEPA, DCEO, DOT, Public Health, Commerce Commission, IEMA, Dept. of Agriculture, local governments, and the federal government to ensure the protection, restoration, and responsible development of the state's coastal communities and resources and to ensure that the core mission of the Department is adhered to.
• Recommends revisions in statutes and develops administrative orders to achieve better conservation management practices for the development of the state's coastal zone.
• Coordinates activities of the Coastal Advisory Group which provides for broad public input on regional issues pertaining to coastal areas, emerging issues and policy assistance needs on comprehensive coastal resource management issues.
• Travels as needed.

2. Oversees the Illinois Coastal Zone Program within the policy guidelines approved by the Office of Water Resources Director:

• Consults and advises the Office Director on all matters of policy and procedures relating to the operation of the program.
• Establishes long range goals and objectives for the efficacious management of the state's coastal zone and reviews progress to ensure the Department is on track with the established goals and objectives.
• Determines and recommends resources needed to carry out the mandates of the program.

3. Serves as official Agency spokesperson on behalf of and with the authority of the Office Director to internal and external entities including the Governor's Office, the legislature, other state agencies, local governments, and the federal government on coastal zone management issues:

• Independently possessing substantial authority to negotiate and recommend agreements for coastal zone management deferring to the Director on issues of potentially substantial impact.
• Possess independent authority to commit and reallocate resources to enhance operation for the protection, restoration and development of the coastal zone.
• Testifies before legislative committees .
• Explains and interprets programs and policies to the media, other agencies, conservation organizations and the public.

4. Implements projects and policies to control invasive species (i.e. Invasive Carp) and for long term restoration strategies for sites affected by persistent bio-accumulative toxins:

• Reviews recommendations for plans of action to ensure the preservation and/or development of natural habitats and ecosystems within the coastal zone areas.
• Develops strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change including reducing carbon footprints.
• Coordinates with IEPA in developing a Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program designed to improve surface water runoff in Illinois' Lake Michigan Watershed.
• Establishes partnerships and networks that facilitate the implementation of green methods to limit polluted runoff before issues occur.
• Monitors programs in order to assess effectiveness and make adjustments accordingly.

(Job Responsibilities continued)

5. Prepares the operating budget, in collaboration with the Office Director:

• Approves methods of expenditure control.
• Monitors State and Federal cooperative programs in a consistent manner with audit procedures.
• Prepares and manages grant applications and awards associated with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Environmental Protection Agency
  (USEPA) Coastal Management grants.
• Monitors all budget, fiscal, voucher and purchasing procedures.
• In conjunction with the Office of Water Resources Director, commits and reallocates Program resources to enhance efficiency of services provided.

6. Administers the Illinois Coastal Grants Program:

• Provides information on grant proposals for approval by Executive Staff, the State Clearinghouse and the Office of Management and Budget.
• Reviews to ensure files and records of all awards are maintained.
• Monitors to ensure timely submittal of performance reports respective to federal grantor agency(s).

7. Serves as full-line supervisor:

• Assigns and reviews work.
• Provides guidance and training to assigned staff.
• Counsels staff regarding work performance.
• Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs.
• Establishes annual goals and objectives.
• Approves time off.
• Adjusts first level grievances.
• Effectively recommends and imposes discipline up to and including discharge.
• Prepares and signs performance evaluations.
• Determines and recommends staffing needs.

8. Reviews actions of the Federal Government to ensure that actions are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Illinois Coastal Zone Program and the Department:

• Meets with federal representatives in order to discuss changes that are in the best interest of the State of Illinois.

9. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college in coastal management, fish, wildlife, forestry or natural resource management of in a related biological science.
• Requires four years progressively responsible professional experience in coastal management, fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of professional supervisory experience.
• Prefers two (2) years of coastal management experience.
• Prefers two (2) years of knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry/natural heritage resource conservation and working with State and Federal grant programs.
• Prefers two (2) years of budgetary working experience.
• Prefers one (1) years of public speaking.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position:

• Ability to pass background check.
• Possession of valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Water Resources administers regulatory programs over construction in the flood ways of rivers, lakes, and streams. It is also responsible for construction in the shore waters of Lake Michigan, construction and operation of dams, construction in public bodies of water, and diversion of water from Lake Michigan, and withdrawal of water from three Federal lakes (Shelbyville, Carlyle, and Rend Lakes). The Office serves as the lead State agency for water resource planning, navigation, floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program, and interstate organizations on water resources.