Land Conservation Specialist

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 positions territory specifically oversees Ottawa; which includes the following counties: Whiteside, Lee, Stark, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee.

• 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 (Bureau, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Lasalle, Lee, Marshall, Putnam, Stark, Whiteside, and Will counties) 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, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.
• Land Conservation Specialists should be strong hikers and capable of working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete fieldwork efficiently.
• Physical ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Valid Drivers' License.

• 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.

In this Grant Funded position, Team Members can expect to be paid a salary rate between $44,904 to $58,375, which includes an excellent benefits package. The salary will be based on a combination of relevant education, training, work experience, and skill competencies.

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. 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 and 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.

Lewis and Clark Community College provides a complete benefits package to full-time team members, which includes:

• Accrued vacation leave, board approved holiday break, summer schedule with reduced work week, 13 holidays + 1 floating holiday, personal leave, and sick leave;
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance and Long-term Disability;
• Retirement through State Universities Retirement Systems (SURS);
• Tuition Benefits;
• Discounts at local stores and restaurants;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Senior Caregiver Assistance Program.