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

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  • Naturalist Intern (seasonal), Missouri Department of Conservation (Cape Girardeau, MO; due Jan. 31)

    Job duties include, but are not limited to assisting with the development and presentation of scheduled programs, outdoor skills clinics, and special events on, and off, site, staffing the exhibit research lab and/or discovery station up to twice a month offering a hands-on activity and interacting with visitors, helping with the research, preparation, and staffing of a mix naturalist day camp programs for 7-11 year olds, 12-16 year olds, and multi-generational, and proposing, initiating, and completing an approved project (project scope will be decided between the intern naturalist and the nature center assistant manager based upon the needs of the facility and the skills and interests of the intern).

  • Undergraduate Research Ambassador (spring 2023), UIUC Office of Undergraduate Research (due Feb. 6)

    The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is seeking highly motivated and personable undergraduate students who are eager to guide and support their peers through the Illinois undergraduate research experience. If you have previous experience in research, whether through coursework, assisting faculty, research staff, or graduate students, or conducting a project of your own, we invite you to apply to become an Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassador. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help other students navigate their own research journeys.

  • Natural Resource Management Specialist, Great Basin Institute (Reno NV)

    The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the BLM Nevada State Office is recruiting a Natural Resource Management Specialist to support the Bureau’s soil, water, air and riparian programs. This office-based position will expose the Specialist to a wide array of Bureau resources and provide an opportunity to better understand BLM Nevada resource management policy.

  • Vegetation & Butterfly Field Technicians (summer 2023), University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, MO; due Feb. 20)

    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. 

  • iSEE Congress 2023: Addressing Crises of Planetary Scale, April 12-13 at the Illini Union (free registration)

    The 2023 iSEE Congress will address the challenges associated with globally interconnected systems — and the need for partnerships and coordination to tackle planetary-scale challenges including infectious disease emergence, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

  • Orientation Leader (training in spring, work Aug. 12-21), UIUC New Student Programs (Urbana, IL)

    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.

  • Day Camp Leader - Allerton Park in Monticello, IL

  • Master of Science in Law Open House - March 9 - Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

    in-person and virtual attendance options available

  • Technical Positions in Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Ecology, The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH; due Mar. 3)

    Up to two full-time technician positions are available to assist on a on a field- andlaboratory- based research project that is designed to help the Ohio Division of Wildlife understandthe cause of reduced yellow perch angling success in western Lake Erie. This project requiresextensive field sampling during summer (June-October) for adult yellow perch, zooplankton, andhabitat on Lake Erie. Laboratory and computer work (e.g., zooplankton counting, diet processing,data entry and plotting) will occur when not in the field. One of the two incumbents will serve as thehead technician of the project. Opportunities to help with data analysis, manuscript writing, and/orstudent mentorship may exist, depending on the incumbent’s experience.

  • Field Technician (vegetation data; summer 2023), Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN; due Mar. 1)

    We are hiring a technician to assist in collecting field data in Indiana forests for a research project being conducted by the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. The technician will work alongside two graduate students collecting vegetation data to determine the effectiveness of invasive plant control treatments funded by federal cost-share programs. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. Position will be based in West Lafayette, Indiana, but will work throughout the state of Indiana. Multiday travel will be required.

  • Fisheries/Aquatic Ecology Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey

    The Kaskaskia Biological Station is seeking 1-2 hourly Research Technician to conduct field and laboratory work in support of research projects on sportfish management and invasion biology in lakes and rivers.  Job offers come with an expected commitment of 12-24 months and this position will be based out of the Kaskaskia Biological Station in Sullivan, IL.

  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    The successful applicant will be passionate about our mission and the strategies (including litigation) therein. You must be able to work efficiently and independently from a home office or ours, recognize priorities and work under the direction of the Steering Committee overall and the Chair in particular.

  • Illinois Bike Census Volunteers Needed for April 28 Event

  • Fisheries/Aquatic Ecology Research Technician (full-time), Kaskaskia Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey (Sullivan, IL; open until filled)

    Conduct field and laboratory work in support of research projects on sportfish management and invasion biology in lakes and rivers. Current research projects include spatial ecology and food web effects of habitat enhancements in reservoirs, experimental harvest regulations, and the ecology and management of invasive carp in the Illinois River. Field work responsibilities include measuring limnological parameters, sampling fish, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate communities, and conducting creel surveys in rivers and lakes throughout Illinois.

  • Cabin Leader Internship (summer 2023; males needed), Dunes Learning Center (Chesterton, IN)

    Cabin Leaders help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect, and work together as a team. They facilitate the evening programs (campfire, group games, night hike, ice cream social, etc), lead meal and flag raising activities, and provide overnight supervision of campers throughout the week.

  • Naturalist Position, Van Buren County (Keosauqua, IA)

    This is a combination position. You will get the opportunity to build and operate a naturalist program in Van Buren County, as well as get to work in the parks with various projects.

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    INHS is seeking a Large River Ecologist who will serve as field crew leader/coordinator for Water Quality component of the LTRM, an element of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR). This position is focused on monitoring the status and trends of selected water quality parameters of the La Grange Reach (80 miles) of the Illinois River.  Additional research into other areas of study related to water quality and its effects on native biota will be encouraged. Funding for these efforts is made available through long-term agreements with US Army Corps of Engineers and The US Geological SurveyThis position is located in Havana, Illinois.

  • Conservation Fellow, Montana Conservation Corps

    Term Dates: 6/6/22 – 10/14/22    

    Location: Varies based on host site placement

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to those submitted before 5/22/2022

  • Biological Science Technician (soil, water, plant), USDA Agricultural Research Service (Oxford, MS; due June 2)

    Duties include assisting higher level technicians in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory setting, collecting, preparing, evaluating and verifying samples and supporting records of plant, water, or soil research, maintaining detailed records of experimental data for biological research, performing routine and recurring techniques and studies by operating common laboratory equipment, tabulating and summarizing data using personal computers and software packages with appropriate quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC), safely disposing of waste material (both chemical and biological), maintaining inventory of chemicals, and more.

  • Stewardship Technician (summer), Shirley Heinze Land Trust (Valparaiso, IN)

  • Seventh Annual BeeBlitz Saturday, June 26

    Participate at home or visit the Pollinatarium on campus.

  • Biological Science Technician (Insects), Agricultural Research Service (Baton Rouge, LA; due July 8)

    In this position, you will participate in the research process by performing a wide range of technical duties related to honey bee colony establishment and their maintenance. You will perform sample collection and data recording with respect to colony health and population metrics.

  • National Program Leader for Soil Processes, Beltsville, MD (Due Date 7/24/23)

    Duties include leading and coordinating ARS research in the fields of soil ecology and management as it relates to soil chemical, physical, and biological states and processes, and their impact on productivity and environmental sustainability; consulting with line managers and making recommendations on program direction, resource allocation, and personnel changes; establishing and maintaining communication with non-ARS research organizations, NGOs, industry groups, and other stakeholders relevant to soils and soil processes; developing reports, assessments and syntheses that communicate and elevate the awareness, understanding and impact of ARS scientific research on all aspects of soils mentioned above, and more.

  • Wildlife Management Specialist, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (Lehigh, IA; due Aug. 20)

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Quantitative ecologist 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 and evaluate current sampling strategies for riverine sportfish.

  • Principal Wetland Specialist, Stormwater Management Commission (Libertyville, IL; due August 31)

    The position within the organization performs complex work related to environmental concerns for all phases of site development and ensures compliance with wetland regulations in the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO). This position is under moderate supervision. This person serves as a subject expert in wetland science and management (ecology, delineation, regulation, mitigation, and restoration), providing scientific and technical expertise to commission, County staff, local jurisdictions, other agencies, consultants, and the public regarding wetland ecology, management, and regulation. This involves project/permit review, field inspections, guidance/expertise in ordinance revisions, public speaking, technical assistance, and training. This position provides the public "face" and "voice" of the commission on wetland-related topics.

  • Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever (Aitkin and Carlton Counties, MN; due Aug. 27)

    Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s), the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the voluntary conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related state, local and other voluntary conservation programs. Activities will include program promotion, contract coordination, conservation planning, conservation plan modification, site assessment and reporting. Provide technical assistance to farmers/landowners on conservation planning, habitat planning and other wildlife related practices. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts.

  • Research Project Coordinator, Kansas Biological Survey at The University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

    Application review begins on August 23, 2021 and will continue until a qualified applicant pool is identified. 

  • STEM Program Specialist, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (Dallas, TX; due Sept. 30)

    The STEM Program Specialist is responsible for the implementation of STEM and outdoor education programs and activities including but not limited to preparation, set-up, facilitation, and clean-up. The position has excellent interpersonal skills, is a team player, enjoys working in a dynamic environment and makes exemplary customer service a priority. Additionally, the STEM Program Specialist enjoys working with children and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

  • We CU Community Engaged Scholars Info. Session Sept. 8

    We CU offers training, support, service opportunities with community partners, a chance to connect with like-minded peers and university recognition for your service.

  • Program Administration Coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Federation (Nashville, TN)

    Tennessee Wildlife Federation seeks a dynamic individual to join its program team in its Nashville office. This full-time position will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day administration, management, and growth of the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), Hunters for the Hungry, and Hunting and Fishing Academy. 

  • Complementary Workforce & Boating Safety Education Coordinator, Department of Wildlife Resources (Charles City, VA; due 9/18)

  • Education Specialist, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (Great Bend, KS; due Sept. 22)

    This unclassified, full-time position is part of the Education Section team and is stationed at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) in Great Bend, Kansas. It is directly supervised by Michael Rader, Wildlife Education Supervisor.  The incumbent develops and presents educational programs, lectures, tours, outreach programs, field trips, workshops, media programs, special events and seminars. Conducts in-service trainings for local teachers, administrators, and students to implement wildlife/aquatic and outdoor education into the curriculum of local school districts. Facilitates these trainings with KACEE (the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education) and ensures the success of the curriculum and training through evaluation. Responsible for coordination of public programs and activities which includes the development and implementation of on-site wildlife programs, the presentation of special on-site and off-site activities for the public and the evaluation of the effectiveness of these programs. Presentations will serve to inform and educate constituents about the natural resources of Kansas.

  • AmeriCorps Community Outreach Corpsmember

  • Salmon Recovery Grant Program Coordinator, Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board (Wenatchee, WA; open until filled)

    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. 

  • BIOLOGIST II - SURVEY COORDINATOR – Wildlife Division

    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.  

  • How to Differentiate Yourself

    This HBR IdeaCast interview with Dorie Clark is about how to become a "thought leader", but the advice is very useful for students considering how to differentiate themselves in the job search. It's 19 minutes well spent. Listen at  https://hbr.org/ideacast/2015/10/why-the-term-thought-leader-isnt-gross.html.

  • UCSB Global Studies MA & PhD Info Sessions November 6 & 30, 2023

    General Program Information
    MA and PhD Funding
    Application Tips
    Q&A w/ Current Students

  • The Institute by LeaderShape

    The Institute™ by LeaderShape® is a nationally recognized four-day, three-night leadership retreatheld for Illinois undergraduate students that will take place January 10-13, 2023, at the Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. The online application opened on Monday, September 26 and closes Monday, October 24.

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 10/19/15 - 10/30/15

  • Graduate & Professional School Fair is Tomorrow!

    Wednesday, October 19, 2016
    Noon-4:00 pm
    Illini Union, Rooms A, B, & C

    Speak with universities from across the country about graduate and professional school programs, including health profession programs!

    Get a sneak peek at schools who are attending the fair: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/GNP_School_Listing_Book_2.pdf

  • Director, US Meat Animal Reserach Center

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 11/02/15 - 11/13/15

  • Graduate Student Position for Landowner Survey on Wildlife Management (Deadline: December 2, 2022)

    The University of Maryland Extension is seeking a graduate student to assist in conducting research of private landowner knowledge and actions related to wildlife and habitat conservation. The purpose of this project is to inform future educational and extension initiatives related to wildlife conservation. Because 92% of Maryland's land area is under private ownership, wildlife and habitat conservation in the state relies heavily on the actions of private landowners. The graduate student will work with the principal investigator, Dr. Luke Macaulay, and a postdoctoral researcher in implementing the project.The graduate student will be focused on the implementation of the survey, analysis, and publishing results. A significant amount of preparation and design work for the survey has been completed, including conducting focus group meetings, establishing a statewide sample of landowners with both addresses and emails, and pre-testing and piloting the questionnaire. The student will be able to draw on this work in making final adjustments to the survey. The survey will consist of both written and electronic delivery of the survey to maximize response and minimize bias.

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 11/09/15 - 11/20/15

  • Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I - Prescribed Fire (Northern Missouri - Milan, MO preferred; due Dec. 1)

    The Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will work as a member of the Missouri Quail Forever Team in close coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and other key partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are prescribed fire planning, outreach, training, and coordination. This position will work closely with a wide range of individuals and resource professionals promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire in Missouri. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources across Missouri.

  • 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.

  • Wildlife Biologist Eastern South Dakota (Wildlife Diversity Program), Department of Game, Fish and Parks (Sioux Falls, SD; due Nov. 28)

    The incumbent will coordinate South Dakota's Natural Heritage Program, manage Natural Heritage Database, and interact with NatureServ staff; collaborate with Environmental Review Coordinator and Natural Heritage and Wildlife Diversity Program team members to write comment letters, provide recommendations for rare species and habitat conservation, and provide oversight, maintenance, and training for an online Environmental Review Tool to streamline environmental review requests; oversee and assist with periodic rank reviews of animal species monitored in Natural Heritage Database; assist with environmental review of significant projects, including site visits for development projects to confirm presence/absence of species and provide recommendations for mitigation; provide technical assistance and collaborate with habitat biologists for habitat enhancement for nongame and rare species in eastern South Dakota; and more.

  • 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!

  • Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Crop Sciences (Urbana, IL; due Dec. 6)

    Work as a member of the interdisciplinary Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team to collectively create, prepare and conduct training programs for commercial and private pesticide applicators and operators in Illinois.