Job Description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome. Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Sponsorship for Employment: The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Disclosure of Salary Information: In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials. Job Details Title: NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST – 28832 Skill Option: Wildlife Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $6,135 a month; Full Range $6,135 – $8,790 a month Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Coles Number of Vacancies: 1 Salary Range: $6,135 – $8,790 a month Position Overview The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Specialist at Wildlife District 17 for the Office of Resource Conservation. This position provides professional land, water, and wildlife resource management, completes high‑priority wildlife and field investigations, and provides technical assistance on private and public lands. The specialist participates in the development of regional goals, objectives, and plans, and serves as a liaison with State and Federal agencies to manage and coordinate wildlife resources planning. Essential Functions Under general supervision of the Regional Wildlife Resources Administrator, provides professional comprehensive land, water and wildlife resource management and planning services on all public lands within the district. Conducts wildlife disease management and monitoring for diseases such as chronic wasting disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, avian influenza and others. Provides professional comprehensive land, water and wildlife resource management and planning services on all private lands within the district. Prepares and disseminates information regarding wildlife, wildlife habitat and related subjects to the general public, interested individuals and public/private organizations. Conducts wildlife capture and marking activities using specialized conservation techniques and equipment such as boats, outboard motors, wood duck traps, and rocket net launchers and conducts surveys to monitor wildlife population trends. Acts as liaison or serves as Regional Wildlife Administrator’s representative with State and Federal agencies and various other organizations to coordinate wildlife resource planning and management efforts. Prepares and maintains various technical records and reports such as accomplishment reports, daily and/or monthly activity reports, programmatic cost reports, and expenditure accounts relating to wildlife habitat management. 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 ability equivalent to a master’s degree in wildlife resource management or a directly related biological science; or requires a bachelor’s degree in wildlife resource management or a directly related biological science, supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience. Preferred Qualifications Extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, and modern wildlife management techniques. At least one (1) year of directly‑related experience as a professional wildlife biologist or professional natural resource manager with responsibility for planning and implementing natural resource management practices on public and/or private land. Extensive knowledge of state/federal laws and rules and regulations pertaining to wildlife management and conservation. One (1) year of experience collecting information & assisting in analyzing & evaluating technical data/reports. Working knowledge of public relations principles, techniques, theories & practices, including the ability to deliver informational presentations. Conditions of Employment Requires the completion of a background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history. Requires an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Requires ability to work under adverse environmental conditions. Requires ability to lift loads which exceed 60 lbs., to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance, and to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles while using, carrying, or otherwise transporting, a variety of equipment. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Work Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pmw/½ hr. lunch. 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. Office of Resource Conservation The Office of Resource Conservation strives to conserve the state's wildlife, fisheries, natural lands and forest resources for future generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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