NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking individuals with the talent, passion, and desire to promote and grow the nation’s leading upland wildlife habitat conservation organization. The Regional Representative position is responsible for grassrootsmission delivery by engaging communities, chapters, volunteers,and members within the assigned region. The successful applicant will assist chapters to maximize their fundraising and mission impact at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally, the Regional Representative will work with Development teammates to identify, cultivate, and solicit mission-driven donations

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.

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.

This position serves as a trainee Park Ranger (Interpretation) in any organizational unit within the National Park Service (NPS). The purpose of interpretation is to enrich people's lives through meaningful experiences and enjoyable recreation; preserve and protect natural and cultural resources through broad collaboration and shared stewardship; and inspire social and environmental consciousness to build community and sustain the health of the planet. 

Four (4) field technician positions are available for the summer 2023 field season to aid in researching tallgrass prairie butterfly habitats. This project is a joint effort between the University of Central Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation to better describe how vegetation and management influence Regal Fritillary butterfly population sizes. 

This position is located in the National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, West Lafayette, IN.

In this position, you will develop the knowledge and technology needed by land users to conserve natural resources for future generations.

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

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be hosting an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 23 from 6 – 7 PM to discuss the conservation warden hiring process, training program, and more! Pre-registration is required and can be completed on our recruitment website. If you're unable to attend the session live, you will have the option to view the recording later.

Multiple positions at the Great Basin Institute across the Western United States.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land (BOL), Field Operations Section, Southern Region/Collinsville is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I.

The primary function of the Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program is to work as a member of the interdisciplinary Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team to prepare and conduct training programs for commercial and private pesticide applicators and operators in Illinois.

Conduct health assessments research on soil and plant samples

The Salmon Recovery Grant Program Coordinator (Upper Columbia Lead Entity Coordinator) manages an annual multi-million dollar grant process that strategically directs resources to voluntary, high priority salmonid habitat restoration and protection projects. The position supports project sponsors through funding proposal development; coordinates project review by a committee of local, technical experts and a committee of local citizens; and oversees development of the final list of projects that receive funding from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board. The position also serves as a liaison between the Upper Columbia region and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s (RCO) salmon recovery program staff. 

This position is within the Wildlife Division of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the employee also serves as a team member of the Game Management Section.  This section is responsible for conducting a wide variety of surveys, research and management activities for big game, upland game, furbearers, migratory game birds, and wildlife diseases in North Dakota.  The successful candidate will be the primary source for sound statistical survey design related to conducting and evaluating the aforementioned and other Department programs.  This includes working independently and providing direction to Administration and other Department staff on appropriate survey methods and courses of action.  

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.

The Officer, State Science Policy and Technology Fellowship Initiative, collaborates with the project director to manage grantmaking operations to eligible organizations, such as state- or territory-based nonprofits and universities to design and run programs and place fellows in their legislatures. The team will work closely with partners to secure support to sustain the programs over the long-term and ensure fellowship programs adopt effective approaches for promoting fellows’ career growth and making substantive contributions to policymaking.  

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.

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking up to 8 field technicians to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be located in Havana, Illinois.  

For full consideration, applications should be received by 02/23/2024, but the position may be filled sooner when a suitable candidate is found.         

The Michigan Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) provides private forestland owners with technical assistance and information regarding forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns, so that they may make informed decisions about the use and management of their forestlands. (“Landowners” include non-industrial private forestland owners, schools, local units of government, rural, and urban residents.) The Forester position is primarily a field position.

We are looking for a motivated and dependable Environmental Restoration Technician to join our dynamic team for the 2026 season. If you're passionate about natural resources and eager to gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, this is an excellent opportunity for you!

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore and quantitatively assess existing fish length and age data to evaluate various approaches to fish stock assessment and identify/pursue data gaps to characterize reach-specific population demographics of recreational and commercially important sport fishes in Illinois and Mississippi rivers (e.g., Pool 26 of the Mississippi River, La Grange reach of the Illinois River).

The CivicSpark Fellow Application for the 2023-24 service year is NOW OPEN!For 11 months, beginning in September, over 100 Fellows will bring energy, commitment, and drive to supportcommunities tackle their climate and community resilience challenges while gaining professional experience. Afterlaunching our pilot cohorts in Colorado and Washington last year, we are excited to continue to serve those statesthis year, in addition to California. Our early deadline is April 7th and our priority deadline is May 12th.

The incumbent will assist with plant biology experiments in the lab, greenhouse, and field, including seed counting, tissue collection, planting and harvesting, etc.. 10 to 15hrs per week during Spring, with up to 20hrs per week Summer. Some flexibility required for field days. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, State Revolving Fund Unit is seeking to hire Life Science Career Trainee (Option E).

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 

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.

AIS is seeking a Environmental Planning Specialist (NEPA) to support the Illinois and Iowa Ecological Services Field Office (ILIA) by performing and assisting with biological duties in the Illinois and Iowa Ecological Services Field Office, particularly under the scopes of Conservation Planning Assistance and the Endangered Species Program. The selected candidate will support all Programs in the Field Office, with a focus on wind renewable energy.

This intern position is designed to prepare a student trainee for employment after graduation as a Park Ranger or Natural Resources Specialist.

Join a positive and enthusiastic team at YMCA Camp Kresge. Nestled in the Poconos right at the base of Mount Yeager, our property encompasses 1,100 beautiful forested acres including our very own 20 acre Beaver Lake. . Our Outdoor Education Mission for students is to create a connection with nature and have fun while learning. Outdoor Education Instructors will teach classes in a variety of topics including Lake Study, Animal Adaptations, Forest Ecology, Discovery Hike, Team Building, Climbing Tower, High Ropes Course, Archery and more.

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 a desire to help new students have a successful transition. OLsattend a Spring Leadership Training course to help prepare them to be student leaders for New Student Program events. All OLs will assist atvarious events such as International Student Orientation, Fall Orientation/Welcome Days and various other orientation programs. Opportunities forsummer OL work will also be available. More information will be provided in the spring semester.

The LaManna lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University is currently looking to hire 5 enthusiastic research technicians with experience in forest-survey techniques and/or Pacific Northwest tree and plant identification skills to address questions related to the maintenance of plant species diversity in old-growth forests along a 1,000 m elevational gradient in the Western Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The work will occur at the Andrews Forest Dynamics Plots (https://forestgeo.si.edu/sites/usa/andrews) at the Andrews Experimental Forest (https://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/), an NSF Long-tern Ecological Research (LTER) site that is located roughly 55 minutes east of Eugene, Oregon. The area is known for its recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking, scenic volcanoes, and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Pay will be commensurate with experience, and apartment- style housing at the H. J. Andrews Forest field station will be provided. Anticipated start date is 5/5/2025, and the position will run through at least 7/25/2025 (12 weeks). In addition, we will be extending one of these technician positions through 10/31/2025 (for a total of 26 weeks) and will be re-hiring 1-2 of these positions to work from 9/15/2025 to 10/31/2025 (additional 7 weeks beyond initial 12 weeks) to help set up field-based experiments in Fall 2025.

The camp is located on YLI’s Camp Bob Cooper directly on Lake Marion (South Carolina’s largest lake). Amajority of the camp week will focus on hunting and fishing techniques, wildlife ecology, outdoorsurvival skills and shooting sports activities (shotgun, rifle and archery). Instructors will be trained andcertified through USA Archery, South Carolina 4H Shooting Sports, and South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources. In addition to these activities, we will also utilize other components such asswimming, team building, and various recreation activities. To see more about the camp, visithttps://wildlifesummer.camp/.

Incumbent will serve as the Program Coordinator for Montgomery County Soil & WaterConservation District (SWCD) and will work closely with the Conservation Director and the SWCD’spartners to develop and manage projects and programs that enable the SWCD to meet the goals inthe SWCD’s business plan. Conservation on the ground is the mission of our District. The incumbentwill perform a broad spectrum of duties and responsibilities to successfully fill this challenging andrewarding role.

The DNR's Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (FaWPRG) is currently seeking an Upland Game Research Scientist in Madelia, MN. This position exists to serve as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) expert on upland game birds (especially wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, gray partridge, and northern bobwhite quail), other upland game (e.g., tree squirrels, rabbits), and avian ecology in farmland landscapes; to design, execute, and report independent and original research and survey projects on farmland game birds and their habitats (including habitats created by governmental farm programs); to provide new knowledge about these resources; and to develop and evaluate new methods and techniques for the advancement of upland game and farmland bird management.

This position serves as both a strong individual contributor and a leader who guides and mentors the Program Support Group, which includes the Financial Administrator and three administrative assistants; manages MITSG’s competitive funding programs, including the biennial call for research proposals and Program Development funding; and oversees the full lifecycle of these programs—from solicitation and peer review through award management, reporting, and evaluation.  

June 2022

This position is part of a collaborative effort among the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Quail Forever(QF)to further the delivery of the native grassland programs in Missouri. This position provides grazing/wildlife technical assistance for associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners in west-central Missouri with a primary focus in priority landscapes. This position will work collaboratively to promote the grazing of native forages by working with local communities, producers,and partner agencies. This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever with daily instruction and leadership provided by program partners.

Two positions available - an excellent opportunity for graduating seniors!

The Ecosystem Program Coordinator supports the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association’s (UMRBA’s) member states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin) in their collective efforts to improve the Upper Mississippi River’s ecosystem.  

The selected associate will work on creating a GIS story map for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Successful completion of 11-week term will result in the applicant being eligible for the DHA-RAI Certificate of Completion, program participants that meet Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for a BLM mission-critical/hard-to-fill occupation may be directly appointed without competition to a full time, permanent position vacancy. 

Duties include collecting, preparing, evaluating, and verifying samples and supporting records, keeping detailed records of experimental data, performing routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of fiber and textile testing and processing equipment, tabulating, statistically analyzing, and summarizing data using personal computers and software packages, and more.

Field technicians (1-4 possible) are needed to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be located in Havana, Illinois mid-August – October 31, 2022, with potential extension to December 2022 and beyond.  Starting date can be adjusted slightly depending on candidate’s availability.

In this position, you will assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, related to soil and conservation research.

This position is in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia, MO.In this position, you will be conducting an experiment or research project related to plants; recording and analyzing scientific data; and preparing scientific information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports.

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.