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

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  • Watershed Management Research and Outreach Undergraduate Internship Program (summer 2025; due Nov. 18)

    Whether you are interested in water resource management, soil health, agriculture, nutrient management, lake and stream monitoring, weather and climate, forestry, or limnology – this internship is for you! Interns will be placed in one of six locations throughout the North Central Region of the US.  

  • Environmental Health Specialist I, IL EPA (Springfield, IL; due Nov. 14)

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Associate Director’s Office, Office of Toxicity Assessment is seeking to hire an Environmental Health Specialist I.  This position will evaluate human health and ecological risk from exposure to hazardous substances by calculating soil and groundwater remediation goals and standards. The position will also advise Illinois EPA staff of advances in scientific literature and changes to federal policy or guidance regarding hazardous substances and the mathematical models used to estimate risk levels. The ideal candidate will have experience in risk assessment and toxicology with coursework in environmental science and public health.

  • Assistant Manager, Sustainable Student Farm (Urbana, IL; due Nov. 30)

    The Illinois Sustainable Student Farm (SSF) is looking for an Assistant Manager to help with daily operations. The SSF serves as a living laboratory for small farm education, supported both by the Department of Crop Sciences and the Sustainability in Food and Environmental Systems degree program in the College of ACES. It stands at the intersection of education in the college by modeling food and environmental systems from production and habitat restoration to processing, marketing, and distribution. Though its primary purpose is educational, the SSF operations are modeled closely in scale and type to diversified fruit and vegetable market farms, growing over 40 different crops and managing direct-to-consumer markets and supplying campus dining services.

  • The University of Chicago MS in Environmental Science Virtual Information Session Nov. 7, 2024

    Out in the field or on the back of an envelope, our graduate students find new and surprising ways to attack scientific problems. We spend our time making (and breaking) waves on supercomputers, sniffing out the composition of stardust and the ancient Earth, and searching for ground truth in the forests of Madagascar, the ice shelves of Antarctica, and the mountains of Tibet.


  • Summer temporary 2025 fire jobs posted October 24 – November 6, 2024 on www.usajobs.gov

    These will include jobs in fire suppression, dispatch, lookouts, and other related fire positions.  

  • Student Trainee (Soil Conservation) (Pathways Internship), Natural Resources Conservation Service (16 positions in IL, many others across the U.S.; due Oct. 31)

    • This position is designed to provide a career-oriented introduction to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of the NRCS Soil Conservation Management Programs and a practical understanding of the policies of the employing organization.


  • Environmental Health and Safety Technician I, Facilities & Services, University of Illinois (Champaign, IL; due Nov. 4)

    Under the administrative direction of the Sr. Field Safety Advisor, Safety and Compliance, assist with the delivery of campus occupational safety and health and environmental compliance services.

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Oct. 29)

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Materials Management and Compliance Section, Compliance and Reporting Unit, Reporting Subunit is seeking a Life Science Career Trainee (Option E). The ideal candidate will participate in the agency sponsored training program for a six to twelve months duration. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines within the Materials Management and Compliance Section. As a LSCT, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility.

  • Natural Resource Officer I/Game Warden, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (Statewide, KS; due Nov. 8)

    Position Summary:  The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is accepting applications for the testing and assessment of individuals for an entry level Natural Resource Officer I Position within the Law Enforcement Division. Successful applicants will become part of a pool of eligible applicants that may receive offers for employment as a Natural Resource Officer I, commonly referred to as a Game Warden.

  • Surveying Aide, St Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District (Belleville, IL)

    The St Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District is hiring one survey aide. This is a full-time position subject to grant renewal.  Survey Aide will be based in the St Clair County SWCD office.  A Bachelor’s Degree and/or an agricultural background is advisable, but training will be provided.

    The surveying aide will work with senior staff to gather site inventories, assist with conservation plans, survey and design conservation practices, and aid with implementation.

  • Consulting Utility Forester, Eocene Environmental Group (many U.S. vacancies)

    As our next Consulting Utility Forester, you’re on your way to the open road and traveling the trails! We keep the lights on anywhere there’s a power line - whether in the city, the rural countryside, or deep in the remote forest. As a Consulting Utility Forester, you’ll keep communities informed about the trees and power lines, while ensuring safe delivery of their power and pursuing opportunities to develop sustainable habitat throughout the utility right-of-way. In this role, your office is the great outdoors! 

  • Soil Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (Eureka, IL; due Oct. 23)

    This position is located in the State Conservationist office, assigned to a field office or area office in Illinois, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    This position provides assistance in the development, planning, contracting and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with NRCS policy and procedures 

  • Hydrologist Specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Various Locations, MN; due Oct. 30)

    The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a permanent full-time Hydrologist Specialist located in Bemidji or Fergus Falls. This position ensures the protection of Minnesota public waters through the Department’s water management activities. The primary purpose of this position is to update the Public Waters Inventory (PWI) as an important tool for managing and regulating activities within public waters. The position also assists in various data collection, site visits, analysis and administrative duties associated with the Department’s responsibilities in managing public waters. 

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Pathways Program (internships for summer 2025)

    The USDA-NRCS will soon be announcing internship opportunities with the agency for high school and college students who are at least 16 years of age. These are paid internships that can lead to meaningful careers as natural resources & rangeland management specialists, soil conservationists & scientists, ag/civil engineers, and more.

  • Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessments Researcher (up to 5 positions), Illinois State Geological Survey (Champaign, IL; due Nov. 12)

    The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.  Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

    ISGS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Environmental Assessment Researcher (up to 5 depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to perform sponsored research on environmental assessments.  The assessments will involve evaluating potential environmental and geologic hazards and risks for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) infrastructure improvement projects. IDOT's infrastructure projects range in size and can involve anything from a single property to hundreds of properties across many miles of existing or future highways.  IDOT uses the assessments completed by ISGS to protect workers and public safety, to reduce IDOT's liability, and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.  Position is based in Champaign, Illinois. 

  • Water Quality Initiative Coordinator, Polk Soil And Water Conservation District (Ankeny, IA; due Oct. 21)

    Identify and promote stewardship practices that will engage local producers within the Walnut, Fourmile, Mud, Camp, and Spring Creeks, and South Skunk River watersheds to improve soil health and water quality. Work with producers/landowners to implement and retain Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) practices within the designated project watershed in Polk, Story, Jasper, and Dallas Counties in central Iowa. Enhance partnerships and identify key roles to help increase education and outreach efforts in order to implement and retain NRS practices within the watershed. Assist with Watershed Management Authority activities and partnerships. 

  • Yale Conservation Scholars - Early Leadership Initiative (summer 2025) - Priority Deadline Dec. 8

    The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is a 12-week summer fellowship opportunity that seeks to diversify the environmental field by cultivating the career aspirations of master’s and doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups by connecting students to work opportunities in environmental nonprofits, grant makers, and government sectors. 

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (UMP) (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Des Plaines, IL; due Oct. 17)

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Field Operations Section, Northern Region/Des Plaines is seeking to hire Life Science Career Trainee (Option E). The ideal candidate will participate in the agency sponsored training program for a six to twelve months duration. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines within the Field Operations Section, Northern Region/Des Plaines. As a LSCT, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility. The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply. 

  • Seasonal Transportation Ecology Technician (Hourly), Illinois Natural History Survey (Champaign, IL or remote; open until filled)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking technicians to conduct a literature review of natural resource management policies for entities across the midwestern USA, with an emphasis on the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). 

  • Upcoming Job Announcements in Illinois with Natural Resources Conservation Service

    There is an upcoming batch job announcement for the Inflation Reduction Act-Direct Hiring Authority in October, at a date that is not yet announced. It is time-sensitive to apply for these positions once posted.

    • Soil Conservationist
    • Soil Conservation Technician
    • Natural Resource Specialist
    • Management and Program Analyst
  • KS Habitat Specialist - Fall River WMA, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (Kansas; due Oct. 11)

    This position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Fall River Wildlife Management Area. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. This position not only provides professional services but also prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field by providing training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices. 

  • Biological Science Technician, Range & Meadow Forage Management Research (Burns, OR; due Oct. 7)

    This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Range & Meadow Forage Management Research Unit in Burns, OR.

    In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. 

  • 2025 Forestry Summer Internship - Michigan, American Forest Management, Inc. (Houghton, MI; due Nov. 1)

    Join American Forest Management for an enriching summer internship opportunity in the vibrant Michigan Region! We are seeking 2 dynamic individuals eager to explore the world of forestry alongside our seasoned professionals. As an intern at our locations in Ironwood & Houghton, Michigan, you'll embark on a journey of growth and hands-on learning under the mentorship of our skilled foresters.
    Our seasoned foresters are experts in the field and are here to train new foresters entering the industry. Our standards are high. We pride ourselves in being subject matter experts in our field, and our employees will have access to experienced professionals in every facet of Forestry. AFM provides the tools, technology, and education to ensure every employee is successful. We value individuals who are willing to learn and take their careers to the next level.  

  • 2025 Forestry Summer Internship - Tennessee, American Forest Management, Inc. (Waynesboro, TN; due Dec. 21)

    Join American Forest Management for an enriching summer internship opportunity in the vibrant Tennessee Valley Region! We are seeking 1 dynamic individual eager to explore the world of forestry alongside our seasoned professionals. As an intern at one of our locations in Russellville, AL and Waynesboro, TN, you'll embark on a journey of growth and hands-on learning under the mentorship of our skilled foresters.
    Our seasoned foresters are experts in the field and are here to train new foresters entering the industry. Our standards are high. We pride ourselves in being subject matter experts in our field, and our employees will have access to experienced professionals in every facet of Forestry. AFM provides the tools, technology, and education to ensure every employee is successful. We value individuals who are willing to learn and take their careers to the next level.  

  • Fish and Wildlife Technician (Bonneville Hatchery Technician), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Cascade Locks, OR; due Oct. 7)

    Make a Difference in Oregon's Natural Resources! 

    Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

    Play a part in providing healthy fish for Oregon! Perform fish culture duties to meet production goals and maintain equipment, grounds and buildings. 

  • Stewardship Coordinator, The Land Trust for Tennessee (Chattanooga, TN; due Oct. 4)

    The Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for various duties in support of the Stewardship Program of LTTN. The goal of the stewardship program is to uphold the conservation values of those lands protected by LTTN by working in partnership with landowners and the stewardship staff of LTTN. This includes conservation easement monitoring, volunteer management, risk management, conservation easement enforcement, addressing requests for activity approvals, working with landowners to understand their conservation easement, land management, record keeping and data management, and other duties as may be assigned. This position is a key part of the Stewardship team, working with oversight and management from the Associate Director of Stewardship and Director of Stewardship. This is an entry-level position with potential for long-term growth within the organization

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Oct. 2)

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land, and Federal Site Remediation are seeking to hire a Life Science Career Trainee (Option E). The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter able to function as a Superfund Remedial Project Manager after participating in Illinois EPA-, USEPA- and DoD-sponsored training programs. This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding, and eventual expertise in the Superfund  Remedial Process, including working on Illinois sites with Federal, State, and Local partners and technical experts in various environmental fields from across America. As an LSCT within the Federal Site Remediation Section, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility. 

  • Visiting Telemetry Research Coordinator (NRES), Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (Urbana, IL; due Oct. 3)

    Deployment, implementation and monitoring of hydrophone array needed to monitor fish passage at Melvin Price Locks and Dam on the Mississippi River. Analyze data from telemetry and accelerometry studies quantifying the interaction of tagged fishes in the vicinity of Melvin Price Locks and Dam on the Mississippi River.

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title - Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Oct. 2)

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Leaking Underground Storage Tank Section, Special Projects and Financial Unit is seeking to hire a Life Science Career Trainee (Option E).   The ideal candidate will participate in the agency-sponsored training program for a six to twelve months duration.  This trainee position receives working assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consonant with various professional life sciences career disciplines within the Leaking Underground Storage Tank, Special Projects, and Financial Unit.  As an LSCT, you will receive focused assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility. 

  • ESA-USGS Cooperative Summer Fellowship Program (nominations due Sept. 27)

    The Ecological Society of America is pleased to partner with the US Geological Survey to offer summer internships to outstanding field-trained undergraduates for whom the experience would be transformative. These are paid summer internships. Don’t let travel and housing be an issue. There are virtual positions available!! 

  • Biological Science Technician, Range and Meadow Forage Management Research Unit (Burns, OR; due Oct. 9)

    In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process related to plants and soil by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory or field environment. 

  • Extension Program Coordinator (ANR-NREE), University of Illinois Extension (Westchester, IL; due Oct. 11)

    Under general supervision, the Extension Program Coordinator [EPC] implements Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy educational programs designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and the development of individuals and communities. 

  • First Look@Argonne Conference October 10, 2024

    Participants will learn about Argonne's multidisciplinary science portfolio, robust internship programs, and engage with the scientific staff dedicated to this work and developing the next generation of researchers. 

  • National Interagency Support Cache Team hiring event Sept. 11-20, 2024

    The Forest Service is hiring various positions in support of cache teams across the Nation. Cache personnel provide supplies and equipment necessary for wildland firefighting and other emergencies.

  • Big Sky Watershed Corps (Jan. - Nov. 2025), AmeriCorps (Montana)

    Big Sky Watershed Corps is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals.

  • Survey Assistant, Illinois Natural History Survey (Champaign, IL; due Sept. 27)

    Job Description: To assist with all aspects of Human Dimensions research including, but not limited to, mail surveys, telephone interviews, data entry and analysis. This is a part-time position October 7, 2024 - May 1, 2025.

  • Biological Science Technician (General), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (31 vacancies across the U.S.; due Sept. 13)

    This is a 6-month seasonal position starting in the spring of 2025 that is well suited for recently graduated students, or those looking to take a semester off. 

  • GIS Analyst, VET Environmental Engineering, LLC (Bloomington, IN)

    GIS Analysts are responsible for data management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and data analysis, and compiling reports and figures. GIS Analysts will need to explain geographic trends and findings from their analyses requiring excellent written and verbal communication. 

  • Northern Region Fire Hire Event Aug. 23 - Sept. 24, 2024

    Permanent fire jobs GS-3 through GS-9 with the Forest Service

  • Biological Science Technician, National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center (Orono, ME; due Aug. 28)

    In this position, you will assist scientists conducting research that will solve problems limiting production efficiency of coldwater marine aquaculture. 

  • Biological Science Technician, Soil & Water Conservation Research Unit (Pendleton, OR; due Aug. 30)

    In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. 

  • Coastal Community Program Coordinator, Lake Forest Open Lands Association (Lake Forest, IL; due Aug. 30)

    The Program Coordinator will create, implement, and manage community outreach and educational programming for new research into coastal wetland restoration and management at Illinois Beach State Park (IBSP). 

  • PROGRAM & EVENT FACILITATOR - FISHING PROGRAM, Chicago Park District (Chicago, IL; due Aug. 26)

    This position will run the day-to-day of the Chicago Park District’s Fishing Program, including running the robust summer program. 

  • Biological Science Technician - Wildlife, USDA Wildlife Services (Fort Leonard Wood, MO; due Aug. 23)

    Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.

  • Scientific Specialist, Hazard Mitigation Planning, Illinois State Water Survey (Champaign, IL; due Sept. 8)

    The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an entry level Hazard Mitigation Planner (Official Title: Scientific Specialist, Hazard Mitigation Planning ) to conduct research related to hazard mitigation projects as well as perform outreach for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) grants and other projects as assigned within the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP). Produce and prepare technical reports for FEMA regulatory and Risk MAP products and other projects and communicate and disseminate technical reports and research data.

  • REMINDER: OFWIM Student Research Scholarship Award (apply by Aug. 30)

    Sponsored by the Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.

  • Conservation Specialist, Marinette County Land & Water Conservation Division (Marinette, WI)

    Assist agricultural producers to achieve 590 Standard Nutrient Management Plan compliance and work closely with County, State and Federal employees to advance landowners through NRCS Conservation Planning Process and cost share options; assist landowners to plan and implement soil health practices and wildlife habitat improvement practices; contribute to development of well testing and monitoring. 

  • National Parks Service Job Board

    Learn about open positions that are public-facing (e.g., Park Ranger) and positions related to monitoring and lab work (e.g., Biological Science Technician).

    https://nps.usajobs.gov/

  • Urban Park Ranger (25 positions), NYC Parks (New York City, NY; due Sept. 20)

    The Urban Parks Rangers’ (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation.

  • National Parks Service Federal Employment Overview August 13 (virtual)

    Ever wanted to work for the National Parks Service? Come join our event on August 13th at noon MST to learn more about the opportunities available! Come learn about the in-demand jobs, available benefits, and meet the hiring team! This is a virtual event at no cost to you.