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

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  • Biological Science Technician (Plants), National Park Service (Empire, MI; closes Dec. 12 or when 150 applications are received)

    These positions are located at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in the Natural Resource Management Division. For information on the duties of the position, the area, or housing information contact: Kirk Acharya at 231-326-4752. The anticipated enter on duty date is April 23, 2023. Open to the first 150 applicants or until 12/12/2022 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

  • Visiting Great Lakes Outreach Associate, University of Illinois Extension (Chicago, IL with remote option; due Jan. 3)

    Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, the University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. The University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Bat Survey Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking 2 field technicians to assist with the 2023 summer field sampling for the Illinois Bat Conservation Program (IBCP), mostly for acoustic surveys, but with opportunities to assist with mist netting as well.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (Population, Climate, and Disease Modeling) - Illinois Natural History Survey

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate on a project developing predictive models of avian disease in the Laurentian Great Lakes. This position will be based out of Champaign, Illinois.

  • Stewardship Coordinator, Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (Loves Park, IL; due Dec. 30)

    Under the general direction of the Director of Natural Resources, the Stewardship Coordinator will develop and administer all aspects of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s volunteer program. The primary focus of this position will be leading the District’s community science program, which utilizes District trained volunteers to collect data on the flora and fauna of Winnebago County. Additionally, the Stewardship Coordinator will lead restoration workdays, oversee the trail steward and litter league programs, and assist the natural resource department staff with prescribed burning and other restoration tasks as workload allows.

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

    The St Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District is hiring two surveying aides. These are full-time, three-year positions subject to grant renewal.  Aides 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.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I, Illinois Department of Public Health (Peoria, IL; due Dec. 15)

    Among other duties, this position performs elementary professional environmental investigations, collecting samples, investigating complaints, and providing detailed technical reports for supervisory review and approval. Travel required within Illinois. Salary: $4,164 - $5,982/month

  • Biological Science Technician (Fisheries; summer field season), National Park Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (CA; apply Dec. 2)

    These positions are located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in the Division of Resource Management and Science.Open to the first 250 applicants or until 12/12/2022 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

  • Land Conservation Coordinator, TennGreen Land Conservancy (Nashville, TN; due Dec. 31)

    TennGreen Land Conservancy is looking for a Land Conservation Coordinator. The position is a multi-faceted position with responsibilities that include assisting with conservation easement, land acquisition, and land conservation outreach projects. The Land Conservation Coordinator reports to the Deputy Director.

  • Soil Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (4 IL locations; due Dec. 12)

    The USDA is hiring a Soil Conservationist. This position provides assistance in the development, planning, contracting, and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with NRCS policy and procedures.

  • Survey Aide, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (Edwardsville, IL; due Dec. 2)

  • Conservation Land Analyst, Magnolia Land Partners (Chicago, IL; rolling review, due Dec. 31)

    Magnolia Land Partner is a conservation banking company. We earn environmental credits by restoring and protecting critical habitats and natural resources across the United States. Our clients use these credits to offset their environmental impacts, a process known as environmental mitigation. We’re fortunate to include among ourpartners all the largest renewable energy developers in the US, many state departments of transportation, and the US Department of Agriculture. This is a new model for conservation—one that doesn’t rely on public grants or private philanthropy and that marries the needs for economic development with environmental stewardship. We’ve conserved over 12,000 acres over the past five years.

  • Environmental Biologist Specialist, Kentucky Division of Water (Frankfort, KY; due Dec. 6)

    The mission of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the Commonwealth.

  • IL Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. (Central IL; due Nov. 30)

    Pheasants Forever in partnership with Ducks Unlimited seeks a highly motivated team-oriented individual looking to join a dynamic Team, with a passion for wildlife, conservation, agriculture, and technology that has an interest in working with farmers to find conservation solutions. 

  • Aquatic Explorations Guide, Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL)

  • Sustainability Consultant, Reduction in Motion (Baltimore, MD)

  • Sustainability Analyst, Interface (Atlanta, GA)

  • Senior Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Ecologist - Illinois Natural History Survey (Due: Dec 12th)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking an Aquatic Ecologist to conduct basic and applied research assisting with ongoing surveys for aquatic amphibians and reptiles, freshwater mollusks, and fishes that are threatened, endangered, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and assist with planning and analysis of research studies associated with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

  • Various eeCorps positions with Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (varied Dec. deadlines)

    The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has numerous open jobs found throughout Colorado. Please visit if interested in facilitating or running such programs & educating others on different aspects of the environment!

  • Habitat Specialist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. (Watertown, SD; due Dec. 5)

    A full-time position is part of a partnership between South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SDGFP) and Pheasants Forever, Inc (PF). The incumbents will conduct habitat management work on public wildlife management areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from SDGFP Field Managers. The position location will be based at the Game Fish and Parks regional offices in Watertown, SD.

  • Recreation Positions (many vacancies), USDA Forest Service (Eastern Region; due Dec. 5)

    The Forest Service is hiring for recreation positions across the Eastern Region. Jobs are available in a variety of exciting and rewarding locations. If your passion is working in the great outdoors the Forest Service invites you to apply! Recreation specialists and technicians perform most of their duties outdoors, which could include trail repair, campground maintenance, visitor information, wilderness protection, and even patrolling on skis.

  • Sustainability Coordinator, The Village of Wilmette, Illinois (open until filled)

    The Village of Wilmette and Wilmette Park District is excited to announce the recruitment of a full-time Sustainability Coordinator. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to make a lasting community-wide impact as this position will support the various governmental bodies in Wilmette to advance sustainability initiatives. The position will primarily work with the Village of Wilmette and Wilmette Park District, but also provide guidance and support as needed to Wilmette School District #39, the Wilmette Public Library, and New Trier Township. This is a newly created position intended to lead the implementation of the Village’s recently adopted Sustainability Plan and assist the Park District in the development of its own plan. Wilmette is a beautiful, historic community located 16 miles north of downtown Chicago with convenient access to the Metra train station (Union Pacific North Line) which is steps away from Village Hall, as well as the CTA Purple Line. The community has approximately 28,000 residents and a total area of 5.4 square miles. As progressive organizations, the Village and Park District are committed to making Wilmette a more livable and welcoming community through sustainability, diversity, equity & inclusion, affordable housing, support of open space and recreation, and active transportation.

  • Resource Technician, Forest Preserves of Cook County (River Forest, IL; due Nov. 24)

    $60,840.37 / Annually

  • Crew Lead/Researcher. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) (Madison, Wisconsin)

    The Peery lab (https://peery.russell.wisc.edu/) is hiring a crew/lead researcher to help conduct their large-scale bioacoustics program in the Sierra Nevada in California monitoring for several avian species including owls, woodpeckers and several species of conservation concern. The project is crucial to multiple well-funded projects and is expected to directly inform management planning and practices in an ecologically sensitive and high-profile region.

    The researcher would report to a project manager while recruiting, training, and leading 2-5 technicians each summer to deploy, collect, and assist with processing data from acoustic recording units across the landscape in remote areas of the southern Sierra Nevada. The researcher would spend the remainder of the year (mid-August to mid-April) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI as part of the Peery research group. The fall/winter would be spent processing and analyzing acoustic data, while the spring would be spent largely on field preparation work.

    The position ideally would start on February 1, 2023 but can be shifted if necessary, and includes a full-time salary with a benefits package, including health insurance, and retirement. The position would be for 2 years with the potential to extend.

  • Eastern Iowa Field Coordinator. (Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa) (Cedar Falls, Iowa)

    The Field Coordinator (FC) is integral to the AmeriCorps field program’s goal of accomplishing challenging conservation projects, as well as providing training, education, coordination, and leadership to ensure a positive and safe experience for regional field program participants. The Field Coordinator must have the ability to assist in personnel management, maintain equipment, and coordinate or provide training in technical and personal development skills.

  • Senior Scientific Specialist, Terrestrial Ecologist. (Illinois Natural History Survey) (Champaign, Illinois)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Terrestrial Ecologist to conduct basic and applied research assisting with ongoing surveys for terrestrial reptile, bat, and noctuid moth species that are threatened, endangered, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and assist with planning and analysis of research studies associated with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

  • Ecology Technicians (Forest Ecology and Plant Community Ecology; seasonal), Washington University (due Dec. 12)

    The Myers lab at Washington University in St. Louis (http://www.myersecologylab.com) seeks two seasonal field technicians to participate in two large-scale forest ecology projects at the university's field station, Tyson Research Center (http://tyson.wustl.edu): 1) a re-census of a temperate forest-dynamics plot that is part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests (https://www.forestgeo.si.edu); and 2) a landscape-scale experiment investigating the importance of plant-functional traits in determining responses of forest diversity and ecosystem functioning to environmental change (prescribed fire) and natural enemies (seed predators & herbivores). The technician will develop skills and gain experience in: 1) field protocols for censuses of long-term ForestGEO plots, including tree identification, tree mapping, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and seed production; 2) data collection for large-scale field experiments, including surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) management of large data sets; 4) mentoring of undergraduate and high school students in field research; and 5) team-based ecological field research.

  • Orientation Leader (Fall 2023), UIUC New Student Programs (Urbana, IL; due Nov. 28)

    The OL position is designed to offer students the opportunity to implement orientation programming for new first-year students and family members. OLs are expected to be knowledgeable about the University of Illinois and have the desire to help new students make a successful transition. OLs attend a Spring Leadership Training course to help prepare them to be student leaders for New Student Program events. All OLs will assist at various events such as international Student Orientation, Fall Orientation/Welcome Days, and various other orientation programs. Opportunities for summer OL work will also be available. More information will be provided in the spring semester.

  • Program Support Assistant, Natural Resources Conservation Service (Amboy, IL; due Nov. 21)

    This position is located in a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service state, area or field office within a designated state. This is an administrative and technical support position under the supervision of the District Conservationist, Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations, or other higher-graded employees. The position is responsible for processing and maintenance of records related to NRCS conservation programs and the day-to-day business and offices processes of the NRCS.

  • Senior Scientific Specialist, Terrestrial Ecology (Champaign, IL)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Terrestrial Ecologist to conduct basic and applied research assisting with ongoing surveys for terrestrial reptile, bat, and noctuid moth species that are threatened, endangered, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and assist with planning and analysis of research studies associated with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

  • Philanthropy Coordinator, Idaho Wildlife Federation (Boise, Idaho), (Deadline: November 25, 2022)

    With the hiring of this position, the Idaho Wildlife Federation continues its growth as a five-person organization, representing the largest coalition of sporting and conservation groups in the state of Idaho.  As such, we are seeking a knowledgeable candidate to implement simultaneous fundraising strategies and complete tasks associated with cultivating charitable giving for the organization. The position will require a broad application of skills and tasks to continue IWF's growth, necessitating flexible work prioritization with diverse tasks. This position offers significant opportunities for professional development for the right individual seeking to grow their career in conservation or fundraising. This position must be based out of Boise.

    The Philanthropy Coordinator will collaborate with the Executive Director and IWF staff to coordinate and ensure the effective implementation of all IWF philanthropic activities. This position will involve the identification, recruitment, and retention of individual and corporate donors, organizing in-person and online fundraising events, searching for grants, and assisting staff with grant writing and reporting. Travel will be required in certain times of the year.

    Job responsibilities include the core functions of communications, outreach, and recordkeeping. This full-time position requires awareness of current political and scientific issues and IWF’s public policy objectives and strategies. The Philanthropy Coordinator will help facilitate IWF’s continued success and take a proactive role in day-to-day operations of IWF.

  • Assistant Research Scientist, River Ecologist (Champaign, IL)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a River Ecologist to Administer research activities of the Survey by managing and conducting activities focused on developing and accessing field sampling protocols used to monitor small fish Species of Greatest Conservation Needs (SGCN) in large rivers of Illinois. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois

  • River Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey (Champaign, IL; Due Nov. 28)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a River Ecologist to Administer research activities of the Survey by managing and conducting activities focused on developing and accessing field sampling protocols used to monitor small fish Species of Greatest Conservation Needs (SGCN) in large rivers of Illinois. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

  • Big Sky Watershed Corps (Jan. - Nov. 2023), AmeriCorps (Montana)

    Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) 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.BSWC members develop and implement climate resiliency initiatives through streams and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and so much more! BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, training, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWCmembers confront climate change with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders

  • Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), USDA Wildlife Services (Peoria, IL; due Nov. 18)

    The USDA is hiring a Biological Service Technician! The incumbent serves as a Biological Science Technician within the Wildlife Services (WS)Program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), responsible for developing and implementing a Wildlife Hazard Management Program to minimize wildlife hazards and enhance human safety. The incumbent coordinates project activities and performs assignments involving project management. The technician assists with other wildlife damage management projects and spends much of their time working independently and with other state/federal wildlife personnel.

  • Biological Science Technician (Natural Resources), USDA Forest Service (many vacancies in various U.S. locations; due Dec. 30)

    The Department of Agriculture is hiring a Biological Science Technician! The position entails supporting natural resource programs. Learn how to apply!

  • Outdoor Education Instructor, NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus (Oregon, IL; priority review date Nov. 3)

    The Lorado Taft Field Campus is Northern Illinois University’s outdoor education and conference center and is located in Oregon, Illinois, on the bluffs of the Rock River. Taft Campus’ outdoor education program exists to provide students with positive experiences in learning and self-discovery in nature. The Outdoor Education Instructor is responsible for the instruction of outdoor education experiences for elementary and middle school students, with classes including outdoor science lessons, skill-based activities, and team building.

    Lorado Taft Field Campus is looking to fill multiple positions for its Outdoor Education Instructor position. All positions require successful hires to live in provided campus housing.

  • Biological Science Technician (Natural Resource), USDA Forest Service (Cass Lake, MN; due Oct. 31)

    The Chippewa National Forest is seeking candidate(s) for permanent seasonal positions for Biological Science Technicians GS-0404-5/6/7.

    The Chippewa National Forest is located in north central Minnesota, approximately 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and encompasses about 1.6 million acres which includes approximately 666,600 acres of checkerboard ownership with other public, private, and tribal lands interspersed. The Forest Supervisor’s office is located in Cass Lake, MN, with district offices in Blackduck, Deer River and Walker. The Forest was the first National Forest established east of the Mississippi River in 1908 and has a rich cultural history spanning at least 10,000 years including pre-European contact sites, logging camps, and Ojibwe and Euroamerican homesteads. Over 40% of the Forest is within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and forest employees coordinate and consult closely with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. 

  • Student Trainee (Soil Conservationist), Natural Resources Conservation Service (12 vacancies in IL for Summer 2023; due Oct. 28)

    Position is under the Pathways Student Internship Authority, designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level paid work opportunities in agencies to explore federal careers while in school.If selected, you must report no later than June 2023 to begin the internship.Student Trainees assignments will be under direct supervision, developmental in nature and assist in gaining the competencies necessary for the duties listed below.

  • Wildland Firefighter (Forestry Aid/Technician), 2023 fire season, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (more than 30 locations in the U.S.; due Oct. 25)

    Positions at the GS-05 level have been identified as key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. These positions have been categorized as a Senior Firefighter (SFF), and require selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at the IFPM website.

  • Environmental Health Specialist, IL Dept. of Public Health (West Chicago, IL; due Oct. 21)

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $600 million in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,100 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

    The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Environmental Health Specialist. Performs highly technical work within several multiphase Office of Health Protection Programs in the regional office. 

  • Forester, Illinois Natural History Survey (Oct 14)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking two Field Scientist to plan, monitor, and evaluate the forestry-associated Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) across the state of Illinois, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Resources. One position will be located at the Forestry District Office in Golconda, Illinois (Pope County) and the other will be located at the Forestry District Office in Havana, Illinois (Mason County).

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI (Applications Due: Nov 1)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to evaluate, develop, and implement population estimation methods and support strategic conservation planning for the state’s wildlife resources. Applicants should have an interest in developing a strong and diverse quantitative skillset, and the ability to work closely and communicate effectively with a diverse group of collaborators. The position is based in Champaign, Illinois. 

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey (Havana, IL : Due October 18)

    INHS is seeking a Large River Ecologist who will serve as coordinator for the aquatic macroinvertebrate component of the LTRM, an element of the UMRR.  This position will coordinate field collection of benthic and colonizer macroinvertebrate communities among 6 LTRM field stations in the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, manage a lab responsible for identifying and enumerating aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa, monitor the status and trends of macroinvertebrates in the UMR, synthesize and analyze long-term data and communicate scientific findings through reports and scientific publications. Additional research into other areas of study related to aquatic macroinvertebrates and large river ecology will be encouraged. Funding for these efforts is made available through long-term agreements with US Army Corps of Engineers and The US Geological Survey. This position is located in Havana, Illinois.

  • Physical Science Technician (soil, water, and plants), Agricultural Research Service (Oxford, MS; due Oct. 6)

    This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Sedimentation Laboratory Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit in Oxford, MS.

    In this position, you will be responsible for is assisting in collecting or preparing soil, water or plant samples in a field or laboratory environment; recording scientific data; and operating basic laboratory equipment.

  • State Office Administrator - Chicago, IL (Deadline October 21, 2022)

    We’re seeking a top-notch administrator to help run the operations of The Public Interest Network’s state advocacy team. Working closely with our staff on the ground in 29 states, the administrator plays a critical role in the day to day logistics and support for effective organizations. Specifically, the administrator: 

    • Works with our team of state-based advocacy staff.
    • Manages team data and systems.
    •  Coordinates with other Public Interest Network departments.
    •  Identifies areas to innovate and improve efficiency. 
  • I Star (campus tour guide; Spring 2023), UIUC (due Oct. 2)

    I STARs share their love for UIUC and knowledge of campus by leading campus tours and events for prospective students and their families. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from individuals who possess and promote these values. I STARs assist our office with hosting 40,000+ visitors to campus yearly.

  • Upcoming Job Announcement - Biological Scientist and Data Manager, U.S. Forest Service (Knoxville, TN; respond with interest by Oct. 7)

    This position serves at a Research Station in a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Work Unit.  The Unit is one of four FIA Units across the country that comprises the national FIA program. FIA is a nationwide program which collects, processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest and other related renewable resources.  The FIA program is charged with conducting a nationally-consistent, strategic annual forest inventory of the United States and its territories.  Annual inventory results are widely used by public agencies, private companies and organizations to make informed natural resource decisions and policies.

  • Forest Service is hiring students and recent graduates

    Learn about positions opening for application September 19-28, 2022. The Forest Service is hosting webinars to help you through the application process.

  • Biological Science Technician (Plants), Plumas National Forest (Quincy, CA; due Oct. 6)

    PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST is hiring seasonal technicians for the 2023 Field Season!

    Biological Science Technician (Plants) and Botanists – Help protect and conserve trees, forbs, grasses and other plants by conducting surveys, inventorying threatened,  endangered and sensitive plant species, and collecting and planting seeds. Work also entails inventory of invasive plant species and may include invasive treatment. 

    Positions will be filled at the following duty locations: Quincy, CABlairsden, CA; and Oroville, CA.