NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

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.

Job Responsibilities

Under immediate authority of a senior statutory Conservation Police Officer receives intensive and ongoing orientation, classroom instruction, field guidance and counseling in providing for public safety and professional enforcement of all Illinois Compiled Statutes and applicable Federal conservation laws and administrative laws.

1.  (40%)       Receives direct instruction through classroom lecture, scenario based training, field training and through actual field enforcement activities on the Illinois Compiled Statutes, applicable Federal Statutes, Administrative laws, and additional classroom instruction on the enforcement of State and Federal conservation laws and how to apply these laws to ensure public safety and control of the use of Illinois regulated natural resources; the technical application of investigative, evidence, and arrest procedures, and relevant judicial process necessary to conduct their job responsibilities; how to conduct investigations, and how to present evidence, obtain search and arrest warrants, provide testimony as a complainant or State's witness; procedures utilized to issue citations and warnings or affect physical arrest, use of deadly force and to post bond.

2.  (20%)      Through direct instructions and the participation in field training program and actual field enforcement activities learns a variety of technical skills required to perform the daily activities of a Conservation Police Officer, i.e. proficiency in the use of law enforcement equipment (4-wheel drive vehicles, current radio communication systems, computer systems, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, jon boats, patrol boats, canoes and kayaks), emergency response driving, two way radio communications, oral and written communications, first aid, C.P.R., A.E.D. usage, Breath Alcohol Testing Instruments, officer survival skills.

3.  (10%)       Receives direct instruction through classroom lecture, field training program and direct field experience on how to effectively convey interpretations of applicable state and federal laws, Department and Division policies, procedures and programs to the general public.

4.  (  5%)       Receives direct instruction through classroom lecture, field training program and direct field experience in the utilization, operation, and safe use of recreational and commercial equipment which is common to the jurisdiction of Conservation Police Officer. The trainee will gain a working knowledge of various pieces of equipment commonly used by the outdoor users, through classroom lecture, field training program and direct field enforcement activities, i.e. traps, bow and arrow devices, fishing nets, firearms, watercraft, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, and will provide assistance in educating the public in the safe use of such equipment.

(Job Responsibilities continued)

5.  (  5%)       Receives direct instruction on the identification and management of common native aquatic life, wildlife, forest and plants, endangered and threatened species, nuisance species, and common species imported into this State through classroom lecture, visual aids, field exercises and use of provided reference materials. Participates in actual field enforcement activities involving the identification of such species by providing input for the identification.

6.  (  5%)       Receives direct instruction through classroom lecture, field training program and direct field experience on working with and coordinating joint law enforcement efforts with police officers from other law enforcement agencies.

7.  (  5%)       Completes outlined tasks as part of the Field Training Program to demonstrate understanding of topics and ability to perform in competent manner. Completes simulations and/or actual field activities to be evaluated by Field Training Officer during Field Training Program.

8.  (  5%)       Completes all required Division, Department, State and Federal forms and reports (evidence forms and tags, long form complaints, judicial processing forms, field reports and supplementals, safety education attendance, DUI/OUI forms, etc.)

9.  (  5%)       Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires 4 year Bachelor's degree or a 2 year Associate's degree with 3 consecutive years of experience as a full­time police officer with the same agency.
• Requires the ability to complete the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (P.O.W.E.R.) test at applicable standards. 
• Required to complete a swimming competency test as administered by the Office of Law Enforcement's Training Section.

Physical Requirements

• Requires ability to pass a comprehensive fitness ability test (P.O.W.E.R.).
• Requires ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Required to complete a swimming competency test as administered by the Office of Law Enforcement's Training Section.

Employment Conditions

Requires possession of an appropriate valid driver's license.

Education Degree

Requires 4 year Bachelor's degree or a 2 year Associate's degree with 3 consecutive years of experience as a full­time police officer with the same agency.