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NRES Career Information
Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

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  • Fisheries Aide - Spring 2025, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (Wisconsin; due March 31 or until filled)

    This is a temporary, part-time position. Dates of employment are not fixed but will run approximately 2-3 weeks after ice-out.  

  • Research Intern (part-time summer 2025), Human Dimensions of Aquatic Systems (Urbana and Chicago, IL; due April 4)

    All students interested in gaining research experience are encouraged to apply!

  • Environmental Justice Summer Internship (2025), Clean Power Lake County (hybrid in Waukegan, IL; due Apr. 30)

    In the 2025 CPLC internship program, high school and college students will learn about environmental issues our community faces, get hands-on experience in environmental advocacy, and grow as leaders while being part of a supportive team.

  • Society for Conservation Biology Job Board

    A global community of conservation professionals

  • Positions in Sustainable Agriculture

    Sustainable Agriculture Education Associate (SAEA) is dedicated to the promotion and development of sustainable agriculture education. One way to accomplish this is to provide resources for people seeking positions in this field.  

  • Environmental Career Center

    The Environmental Career Center provides employers and job seekers with comprehensive career, and staffing services in the environmental, sustainability, natural resources, energy, and green jobs sectors.    

  • Environmental Leadership Program Job Board

    The mission of the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) is to support visionary, action-oriented, and diverse leadership for a just and sustainable future.

  • SustainableBusiness.com

    You’ll find great opportunities in climate change, solar, wind and other renewable energy sectors, along with jobs in sustainability management, pollution prevention, green building, the organic industry and green jobs that restore our ecosystems through conservation and policy. 

  • Conservation Warden, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    We will begin accepting applications for the 2026 class of conservation wardens starting April 10, 2025. 

    We will be hosting a virtual webinar on April 22, 2025 from 5 – 6 p.m. to discuss the hiring process, training program and more!

  • Biologist, Ascent (San Diego, CA)

    Ascent is seeking a full-time junior to mid-level biologist to join our Natural Resources team in our San Diego office.

  • Restoration Specialist, The Wetlands Initiative (Hennepin, IL)

    The Wetlands Initiative is hiring a restoration specialist to conduct year-round prairie, wetland, and savanna restoration. 

  • Grassland Ecology Internship (summer 2025), Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (Montana; due March 28)

    This internship offers a unique opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable field experience under the mentorship of Smithsonian Ecologists while working alongside peers from neighboring Tribal Colleges. The cohort of 2025 Interns will make valuable contributions to the historic launch of the first Inter-Tribal Long-term Ecological Research Network focused on sustainable management of grassland ecosystems, the most critically endangered habitat in the world. 

  • Community Conservation Coordinator, Restoring Lands (Milwaukee, WI; due March 28)

    Through this position, Restoring Lands seeks to take ownership of addressing barriers to conservation by engaging, training, and empowering underrepresented communities in the work of fostering biodiversity, promoting climate resiliency, and enhancing public access to the outdoors. 

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Apr. 1)

    The Office of Site Evaluation conducts environmental investigations throughout Illinois. Weekly job duties will involve occasional field work conducted through the year. The selected candidate will participate in an agency sponsored training program founded by hands-on experience for a duration of six to twelve months. This trainee position receives working assignments to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills related to environmental site assessment and various life sciences.

  • Volunteer Opportunities at the Champaign County Forest Preserves

    Join the Champaign Forest Preserve in a variety of volunteer opportunities from clean-ups to invasive plant removals. Time and location vary on events, transportation is also provided for some events.

  • Permit Field Monitor Intern (Chicago, IL Due April 9th)

    Job Summary

    Under the direction and supervision of the Manager of Permits and Revenue or designee, performs on-site customer service at permitted outdoor events, including but not limited to, confirming permit items listed, communicating with external and internal customers and assisting with basic needs of the event. Performs basic administrative duties to support the operations of the Permits, Rentals, and Concessions Department. Performs other duties as assigned. This position is an intern position working up to 40 hours per week for up to three (3) months and primarily working Thursday through Monday and holidays at various locations.

  • Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador Intern (summer 2025), Forest Preserves of Cook County (Chicago, IL; due March 31)

    Are you curious about the Forest Preserves and the natural world around you? Join our team as a seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador (YOA) intern at one of the most historic agencies of the last hundred years. This position will support operations within the Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) as well as other departments in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Interns are mentored by nature educators and professionals to develop a foundation of life and career readiness skills. Interns will learn local ecology, recreation, community engagement, native plants and animals and much more. As YOA interns, you will also learn about various careers in the Forest Preserves while gaining exposure to other conservation and recreation organizations. Spend your summer connecting with people, connecting with nature, and connecting people to nature. Interns will assist all CEP staff and could work in any CEP location including, but not limited to, General Office, Nature Centers, and Campgrounds. Interns will provide support in a variety of administrative tasks, assignments, programs and operational functions, and will perform other duties as required or assigned. This is a seasonal position and for a duration of up to 6 months 

  • Visiting Fisheries Research Coordinator (NRES), Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (Urbana, IL; due Apr. 6)

    WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

    Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world.  We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries and applications of science and education to higher levels of understanding and influence.

    Be a part of our story.

    The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (https://nres.illinois.edu) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Visiting Fisheries Research Coordinator (NRES). 

  • Congressional Internships Summer 2025, Congressman Sean Casten (Washington, D.C. and Lombard, IL offices; due April 1)

    The summer internship will run from May 27th through July 25th, 2025. Individuals with ties to Illinois’ sixth district are strongly encouraged to apply. 

  • Plant Ecology Interns (2 positions), Archbold Biological Station (Venus, FL; due March 19)

    These 8-month internships are a great opportunity for post-bacs (especially, but not limited to 2025 graduates) interested in gaining hands-on research experience before graduate school in ecology, evolution, botany, natural resources or related fields.

  • Summer Fisheries and Water Quality Intern, ECT (Chicago region)

    Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT) is a multi-disciplinary environmental and sustainability consulting firm delivering strategy, permitting, design, and management solutions to public and private sector clients.


  • Sustainable Student Farm Summer Internship (UIUC)

    The farm internship gives students hands-on work experience at the farm and aims to teach our interns about the essential parts of vegetable production while thinking about sustainable farming at large. This internship will expand your horticultural skills and knowledge, developing applied skills in design, marketing, food handling, infrastructural maintenance and land stewardship. 

  • Paid Summer Research Positions, Fraterrigo Lab (Urbana, IL)

    Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo and Dr. Jim Dalling are recruiting six undergraduate students as hourly workers to assist with the ForestGeo re-census of Trelease Woods this summer.

  • Amphibian Research Intern (summer 2025; housing provided), Memphis Zoological Society (Memphis, TN; due March 5)

    Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering a paid amphibian internship in conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 years post-college. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife. The internship will provide valuable training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis to prepare for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences. Please visit www.sheilapoo.com to learn more about the research in the Amphibian Lab. 

  • Urban Land Stewardship and Engagement Intern (job ID 56280; summer 2025) The Nature Conservancy (Milwaukee, WI; due March 7)

    The Urban Land Stewardship and Engagement Intern will have a summer experience working on community-based conservation efforts happening in Milwaukee with a focus on neighborhood-based tree planting projects and other land stewardship and green infrastructure maintenance opportunities with TNC and its partners. This is a full-time 35 hours a week summer internship position working from June to August 2025. This position is paid $17.00 per hour. 

  • Fisheries Research Technician (4 positions for summer 2025; housing included), University of Wisconsin-Madison (Boulder Junction, WI; due Feb. 28 and then open until filled)

    We are seeking four motivated and independent undergraduate students to join the fishing technology research team based out of Trout Lake Station. 

    Improvements in angler technology over time have the potential to increase angler success and fish catchability. Recent research testing the influences of angler technology on fish catch rates has been mixed, with some studies showing a positive influence of technology use and others with no effect. To test the influence of forward-facing sonar (FFS) on angler catch rates, we will be initiating an experimental angling study on northern Wisconsin lakes to test for differences in angler catch rates of smallmouth bass between various forms of angler technology. Students will fish for smallmouth bass and potentially other species with and without the use of FFS

  • Multiple positions (summer 2025), Chicago Park District Outdoor and Environmental Education team (Chicago, IL; due March 4)

    We are hiring for multiple positions for our environmental education programs this 2025 season! Applications have varying due dates between Tuesday, March 4th and Friday, March 7th

  • Students Pushing INnovation (SPIN) (summer 2025), National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) (Urbana, IL; due March 3)

    The Students Pushing INnovation (SPIN) internship program was launched to provide University of Illinois undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focused research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture. 

  • Wisconsin Aquatic Resources Seasonal Technician (2 positions), Trout Unlimited (Northern and Southwest WI)

    Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking two (2) Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians based in Northern Wisconsin and 2-4 based in southwest Wisconsin to help fulfill the organization’s mission to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. The Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians will assist TU staff and a Lead Seasonal Technician with projects aimed at restoring aquatic connectivity and in-stream habitat. The primary responsibility of this position is to complete road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road Stream Crossing Inventory method. These inventories are an important first step for TU and project partners to identify aquatic organism passage barriers and prioritize streams for future restoration work. Additional duties may include assisting with fishery and habitat surveys, monitoring recently completed aquatic connectivity project sites, assisting TU and partners with in-stream habitat restoration projects, and assisting TU staff with in-stream temperature monitoring projects.  

  • Watershed Programs Specialist, Clean Lakes Alliance Madison, WI; due March 28)

    Clean Lakes Alliance seeks a Watershed Programs Specialist to join our passionate and dedicated team. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. This position is responsible for helping the organization effectively engage with its volunteers, build and strengthen partner relationships, research and apply for grants, and support the execution of multiple programs. The individual serving in this role will report to the Deputy Director.

  • Summer Forestry Intern, Village of Mount Prospect (Mount Prospect, IL)

    Mount Prospect has an established, award-winning urban forestry program, and the Summer Forestry Intern will gain invaluable “hands-on” experience in preparation for an urban forestry career.

  • Prairie on Farms Program Manager, University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA; due March 24)

    Leads the Prairie on Farms program, developing expertise in seed-based prairie restoration and agricultural conservation programs; establishes relationships with rural stakeholders and initiates a project to address long term management of remnant and restored prairies; provides logistic support for selected Center projects and conducts prairie outreach and education; assists Director in seeking external funds for the program and manages grant budgets; and participates in common activities of the Center including improvements to Irvine Prairie 

  • Full-Time, Part-Time, Temporary, & Seasonal Positions in Education • Conservation • Gardening • And more!, Douglas-Hart Foundation (Mattoon, IL; due March 1 or open until filled)

    The Foundation's mission is "Through the responsible stewardship of Helen Douglas-Hart's gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages." The Douglas-Hart Foundation manages three unique properties: Friendship Garden, The Whiteside Garden, and the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Employment for the Foundation includes working in one of the following areas: Administration, Education, Conservation/Grounds, or Horticulture/Gardens.  

  • Wildlife Health Intern (summer 2025), Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Verona, VA; due March 10)

    This is a great opportunity for a college undergraduate or graduate student, who has a demonstrated interest in the professional field of wildlife health, including disease surveillance and response techniques, common and emerging wildlife diseases in Virginia’s wildlife populations, and public engagement in disease monitoring and prevention. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature. 

  • Many Intern Positions (summer 2025), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (various TX locations; due March 13)

    Example positions:

    • GIS Technician
    • Inland Fisheries
    • Coastal Fisheries
    • Outdoor Education and Outreach Team
    • Wildlife Field
    • Natural Resource Management
  • Freshwater Mussel Propagation Intern (summer 2025), Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Charles City, VA; due March 10)

    This is a great opportunity for a college undergraduate or graduate student, who has a demonstrated interest in learning how to culture freshwater mussels at the cooperative Virginia Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Center at the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery, for the purpose of conservation and recovery, to work with Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) professionals who share the same passion. The DWR is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature. 

  • Various positions (Biologist, Fish Hatchery Technician, Conservation Aid), Nevada Department of Wildlife

    Looking for a rewarding career in conservation? NDOW has a wide variety of employment opportunities with meaningful responsibilities that help shape the future of Nevada’s wildlife and wild spaces. 

  • Wildlife Technician (3 positions), Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia DNR (Social Circle, GA; due Feb. 26)

    Under general supervision, the Wildlife Technician 3 will assist biologists in the Wildlife Conservation Section with collecting biological data and conducting research on small mammals. The position will support program biologists by contributing to the development and implementation of scientific sampling protocols. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating surveys and research, identifying and tracking T&E species, as well as supervising seasonal workers, volunteers, and other personnel. This will include monitoring and research related to bats and other small mammals throughout Georgia. The Wildlife Tech 3 will also be the lead MOTUS technician supporting biologists tagging mammals and birds. The technician will be responsible for installing and maintaining MOTUS towers and equipment statewide. After initial training, the MOTUS technician will be expected to install new systems, troubleshoot technical issues, download data, and update the online data portal, and coordinate with MOTUS partners in the SE US. Under limited supervision, the Wildlife Tech 3 will oversee the duties and tasks associated with operating and maintaining assigned equipment for small mammal work, as well as maintenance of facilities and vehicles and purchasing of supplies and materials for fieldwork in accordance with state procedures. They will provide technical support and outreach to individuals, conservation partners, and assist other DNR staff as needed. Current rabies vaccinations are required for work with mammals. This position is housed in the Wildlife Conservation Section of the Wildlife Resources Division and will require overnight travel to project areas in remote regions of the state

  • Conservation Student Intern (summer 2025), University of Wisconsin (Green Bay, WI; open until filled)

    This position will assist in the creation of educational materials to reduce the incidence and severity of surface and groundwater-impacting manure spills/incidents through researching/summarizing digital, online and paper records to determine the root causes of manure spills/incidents, environmental impacts, and remediation, summarizing trends, and developing a reduction/prevention strategy. Open to undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates. 

  • Summer Field Technician University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming; due Feb 28th 2025)

    Dr. Eric Larson (https://publish.illinois.edu/erlarson/) in the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences is seeking a summer undergraduate technician to assist with field work in Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah for five weeks of summer 2025 from mid-July to mid-August. The technician will be directly supervised by graduate student Jacob Watson, sampling native and non-native crayfish populations and measuring associated stream habitat characteristics. This will be a full-time position (40 hours per week) at a rate of $15 per hour with travel, lodging, and meals (per diem) provided. 

  • Summer 2025 Scholar, Illinois Climate Jobs Institute (Urbana, IL; due March 28)

    The Illinois Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) is accepting applications from upper level undergraduate and graduate students for our 2025 Summer Scholars Program. Summer scholars will gain research and writing experience at the intersection of clean energy, policy, labor, and workforce development. They will assist with research projects to inform the Illinois clean energy transition, with a focus on workers and their communities. Summer scholars are mentored by experienced staff as they contribute to applied research projects and learn about Illinois clean energy policy.

    Positions are full-time for the duration of the summer and in person at the Labor and Employment Relations building on campus. Summer scholars will receive an hourly wage.

  • Restoration Specialist, The Wetlands Initiative (Hennepin, IL)

    The Wetlands Initiative is hiring a restoration specialist to conduct year-round prairie, wetland, and savanna restoration. This is a full-time position with benefits that is based in Hennepin, IL. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in the ongoing restoration and management of a large, high-quality natural area. The normal work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. 

  • Grassland Bird Point Count Technician (mid-May - June 2025), American Bird Conservancy (TX and OK; open until filled)

    One Point Count Technician is needed for grassland bird and quail population monitoring as part of a coordinated bird monitoring effort to assess the impacts of grassland management in the Oaks and Prairies region of northern Texas and central Oklahoma. Point counts will be performed on private lands as part of an effort to assess the effectiveness of private lands management. Basic plant monitoring is included to tie together bird populations and habitat. This is an opportunity to be part of a large-scale grassland bird conservation effort involving partner conservation agencies and organizations in Texas and Oklahoma. 

  • Ecological Restoration Technician (Full-Season and Summer), EcoNorth LLC (Ashland, WI; due March 31)

    EcoNorth LLC is hiring summer and full-time Ecological Restoration Technicians for the 2025 season. The job would be out of our headquarters in Ashland WI, near Lake Superior. Our work takes us to a variety of northern ecosystems including pine barrens, coastal estuaries, northern forests, and lakeshores. Because of our unique location, we get to work in old growth forests, remnant prairies, dune-swale complexes, and rare plant communities that few others have the opportunity to see. The bulk of our time is spent controlling invasive species, but we also survey plants, plant prairies, and create habitat for rare wildlife. 

  • TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III (Wildlife District Biologist), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (statewide locations in TX; due Feb. 28)

    Two biologist positions available. One will office in Woodville, TX (counties of responsibility: Tyler, Hardin, and Liberty); one will office at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX (counties of responsibility: Walker and Montgomery).

    Under the direction of the District 7 Leader, these positions are responsible for performing the professional planning and implementation of natural resource management, monitoring, and research duties associated with wildlife and habitat resources within the Pineywoods ecological region of the District 7 Wildlife District.  Provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers, sportsmen, and new constituencies.  Develops comprehensive wildlife management plans for private landowners upon request.  Disseminates information to the general public through news releases, radio/TV interviews, program presentations, and other public outreach and educational opportunities.  Performs administrative duties and prepares technical reports, popular articles, and professional journal publications.  Responsible in assigned area for public relations and educational/extension efforts to involve private citizens and organizations in support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) programs.  Identifies public hunting and non-consumptive use opportunities on public and private lands.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

  • Nature Program Instructor- Seasonal position (summer 2025), Round Lake Area Park District (Round Lake, IL; due April 15)

    The Round Lake Area Park District is seeking a seasonal outdoor nature recreation instructor! 

    Are you looking for extra work this summer? Are you interested in working in parks and recreation? Do you enjoy getting outside in nature? Does environmental education interest you?  Then, our seasonal nature program instructor position is the position for you!  

    The Prairie Grass Nature Museum is seeking one seasonal nature program instructor to work with staff on outdoor nature  programs in the 2025 summer season. The Recreation instructor position is a seasonal hourly position (10-15 hours per week). The position will approximately run from June - August 2025.  

  • 2025 Kennebec Land Trust Summer Internship (summer 2025), Kennebec Land Trust (Winthrop, ME; due March 2)

    The Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) is seeking summer interns to work on trail maintenance and construction, land conservation projects, invasive plant control, educational programming, and general office work such as writing press releases and sending out mailings. 

    Interested applicants should be able to perform physically demanding field work, be comfortable multi-tasking in the office, be willing to learn basic plant identification skills, and have an interest in land conservation.

  • Natural Resource Instructor (summer 2025), Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (Castleton or Woodbury, VT; open until filled)

    Natural Resource Instructors (NRIs) work under the Camp Director and Camp Coordinator. Instructors will be involved in teaching courses at a residential camp ranging from first aid education, hunter firearm safety, fishing, forestry, ecology, fish and wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. NRIs also directly supervise and support 8-10 campers, ages 12-16, on a weekly basis. They will also be responsible for mentoring campers in educational, social, and personal matters and assisting all staff members in carrying out camp goals, objectives, and the Vermont State Fish & Wildlife Department’s mission. Please note: this is a residential position at either the Edward F. Kehoe Camp in Castleton, VT or the Buck Lake Camp in Woodbury, VT. 

  • Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador Intern, Forest Preserves of Cook County (Chicago, IL; due March 31)

    Are you curious about the Forest Preserves and the natural world around you? Join our team as a seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador (YOA) intern at one of the most historic agencies of the last hundred years. This position will support operations within the Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) as well as other departments in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Interns are mentored by nature educators and professionals to develop a foundation of life and career readiness skills. Interns will learn local ecology, recreation, community engagement, native plants and animals and much more. As YOA interns, you will also learn about various careers in the Forest Preserves while gaining exposure to other conservation and recreation organizations. Spend your summer connecting with people, connecting with nature, and connecting people to nature. Interns will assist all CEP staff and could work in any CEP location including, but not limited to, General Office, Nature Centers, and Campgrounds. Interns will provide support in a variety of administrative tasks, assignments, programs and operational functions, and will perform other duties as required or assigned. This is a seasonal position and for a duration of up to 6 months.

  • Various Seasonal Positions, Forest Preserve District of Kane County (Geneva, IL)

    Various job openings and internships with the Forest Preserve of Kane County including positions in:

    - Community Engagement

    - Community Engagement & Environmental Education

    - Human Resources

    - Natural Resource Management

    - Planning & Operations