Position Overview

This position serves as the Chief Landscape Architect for Region 5 providing design and planning services for site development; analyzes resource management and outdoor recreation issues; develops recommendations for resolution; carries out feasibility studies, land use plans and special projects to guide acquisition, development, and management of Department area for other initiatives. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as Chief Landscape Architect for Region 5.
• Provides design and planning services for site developments e.g. roads parking signs utilities in order to ensure the quality of facilities and protection of resources.
• Analyzes resource management and outdoor recreation issues and develops recommendations for their resolution.
• Carries out feasibility studies land use plans and special projects to guide acquisition development and management of Department area and for other initiatives.
• Develops Department recommendations on land acquisition proposals and land offerings.
• Participates as a member of multi -disciplinary task forces in the preparation of comprehensive plans and special studies.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge skill and mental development equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture supplemented by two years of progressively responsible professional experience in landscape architecture work.
• Requires possession of a valid Illinois certificate as a registered landscape architect.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of methods and procedures used in the analysis of land, water, soil, vegetation, and climate for land use planning purposes.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, procedures, and techniques utilized in conducting on-site inspections of agency properties.
• Two (2) years of experience determining environmental impact of landscape projects.

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. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities: 

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statements

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, 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.

Office of Realty & Capital Planning         

The Office of Realty & Capital Planning (ORCP) provides Agency-wide support services related to capital improvement projects of a variety of scales, along with support services related to land acquisitions, concession and farm leases, and natural and cultural resource protection.

Divisions of Statewide and Field Operations are responsible to provide in-house evaluation, design and technical assistance for all Department facilities, such as dams, bridges, water and sewer systems, bikeways, canals, roads, boat access areas, lodges, concessions, campgrounds and day use areas.  The Office undertakes special studies and investigations to define scopes of work, evaluates and proposes alternative solutions.  Additionally, the Office works on Departmental future planning needs, ensures public health and safety codes are met at Department facilities, and provides technical expertise on emergency declarations, as defined by the Illinois Procurement Code.   The Office formulates and executes the Department's capital construction program, coordinates projects with the Capital Development Board (CDB), coordinates the Park Road Program with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and provides design review and construction management on these projects; provides design and construction management of the waterfowl development and other Department programs, and manages the Department's heavy equipment construction and dredging programs.