NRES Career Information

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WORK LOCATION: Alice Kibbe Field Station

APPOINTMENT: April 1, 2026 (Duration of position is for 20 months)

MONTHLY WAGE:  $3,128 - $3,466

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans. 

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/human_resources/benefits/.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits@wiu.edu or by calling 309-298-1971.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, field ecology, wildlife management, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
2. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in resource management. (Note: Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
3. Valid Drivers license
4. Experience and training with prescribed fire operations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience driving 4WD trucks and UTV's
2. Wildland Firefighter Type 2 and herbicide applicator certification
3. First Aid/CPR Certification
4. Experience using hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2 stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed eater, leaf blower)

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

1. Effective oral/written communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational and teamwork skills.
2. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in outdoor environments in changing weather conditions, often in remote uneven terrain, under minimal supervision.
3. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
4. Proficiency in commonly employed software including Microsoft Office.
5. Must possess or have ability to quickly acquire appropriate field skills as well as physical skills necessary to carry out work.
6. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other crew member, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Station staff.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). The degree must be conferred at the time of application.

Application Instructions:

Complete an Employment Application online by clicking APPLY NOW or by navigating to the WIU Employment page. Upload and submit supplemental application materials, including copies of official academic transcript(s) and a current resume, within the applicant portal.

**Note** In order to upload Individual documents must be under 2 MB in size.

Western Illinois University endeavors to provide a safe environment for its employees and students and requires candidates to submit to a background investigation upon offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon compliance with University policies and procedures relating to the receipt and evaluation of information contained in the background investigation.

Western Illinois University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including, but not limited to, minorities, veterans, women and individuals with disabilities. WIU has a non-discrimination policy that includes discrimination based on an individual's membership in the following classes: sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other classes protected by state or federal law.

For assistance with the online application system contact the Office of Human Resources at (309) 298-1971 or via email at hr-testing@wiu.edu.