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

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  • Fishing Clinic Instructor, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Bloomington, IL; due Jan. 30)

    The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Conservation Education Representative for Miller Park. This position will support the mission of the Office of Resource Conservation by educating students as Fish Clinic Instructors. These instructors will inform audiences of fish, fish ecology, fishing ethics and techniques for audiences of various skills and levels and experiences.  

  • Soil Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry Undergraduate Research Technicians (summer 2025), NRES Kent Lab (Urbana, IL; open until filled)

    This position would begin as early as May 12 (with some flexibility) and continue through summer (with the option to continue research in the fall). 

  • Outdoor Education Program Seasonal Leader (summer 2025), McHenry County Conservation District (Crystal Lake, IL; open until filled)

    Are you looking for a chance to work in the outdoors?  Working with our Education Services team as a summer camp and public program leader is a great way to gain experience in environmental education and make a positive impact!  

  • Restoration Ecology Field Crew (Seasonal), McHenry County Conservation District (Woodstock, IL; open until filled)

    Gain real life experience in the natural resources field by working alongside our skilled Ecologists! 

  • Wildlife Resource Center Seasonal, McHenry County Conservation District (Wonder Lake, IL; open until filled)

    Be actively involved in the husbandry (cleaning/feeding) of the resident raptors, reptiles, feeder colonies as well as rehabilitating wildlife. Participate in our Blanding’s turtle and smooth green snake head-starting projects as well as the bluebird trail monitoring program. Contribute to environmental education programs and development of program materials/wildlife artifacts. Enhance your communication and customer service skills in responding to wildlife related inquiries from the public.  

  • Seasonal Field Technician and Lead Seasonal Field Technician, Great Lakes Domain (Land O' Lakes, WI)

    An opportunity for recently graduated students:
    The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. We are currently seeking a NEON Seasonal Field Technician. This position will start in April 2025 and end in October 2025.  We are also  currently seeking a NEON Lead Seasonal Field Technician. This position will start in March 2025 and end in November 2025.  

  • Natural Areas Worker (seasonal), Chicago Park District (Chicago, IL; due Jan. 23)

    The Natural Areas Crew is dedicated to ecological restoration and the promotion of outdoor safety, education, stewardship, and equitable access to natural spaces within our community. They implement conservation and restoration methods to enhance the quality of natural areas and engage in trail maintenance, fence repairs, and general park upkeep to ensure the safety and accessibility of outdoor spaces.

  • Prairie Natural Areas Technician

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    All sites are dedicated nature preserves, the ideal candidate will come into the position with both plant identification and land management basic skills along with the ability to work independently. Position is flexible to accommodate either full or part-time through contract expiration; extensions may be available for this grant-funded position.

    Position Dates: June - TBD

    Grant-funded: ~500 hours, possible continuation; Flexible Hours

    Part-time, 20-30 hours/week; flexible schedule

    Location: Work will occur at Grand Prairie Friends’ unique prairie and savanna sites in Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion counties. Focus given to sites in Watseka, Loda, Paxton, Danville. All sites are enrolled in the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as dedicated nature preserves. Experience in plant identification and land management services required as this is a highly independent work situation. 

    Compensation: $17/hr. or based on experience 

    Apply by: APPLY TODAY; Position open until filled

  • Outdoor Educator

    Come join our fun and supportive community at Camp Burgess & Hayward’s Outdoor Education & Retreat Center, a YMCA facility located a short drive from the ocean on beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts

  • Arborist Registered Apprenticeship, Openlands (Chicago, IL; due Feb. 2)

    The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship is a 3-year training program administered by Openlands in partnership with the Department of Labor and tree care companies across the Chicago region. Apprentices work alongside industry professionals and gain hands-on experience, training, and skills to launch their green careers in arboriculture and urban forestry. 

  • Various Seasonal Positions (including summer 2025), Green Mountain Club (Mt. Tabor, VT)

    The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains.

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Jan. 16)

    The Illinois EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is seeking candidates for the title of Life Science Career Trainee (LSCT) in the Bureau of Land’s Remedial Project Management Section (RPMS), to gain knowledge of and assist with the review of scientific reports associated with the Site Remediation Program (SRP).  

  • Life Sciences Career Trainee (Targeted title- Environmental Protection Specialist I), Illinois EPA (Springfield, IL; due Dec. 30)

    Position Overview

    The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Water (BOW), Water Pollution Control, Compliance Section is seeking to hire a Life Sciences 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 Compliance Unit. As a LSCT, you will receive controlled assignments in a broad range of departmental activities with increasing difficulty and responsibility.

  • Special Project Assistant (Rethinking Lawns project), Chicago Park District (Chicago, IL; due Dec. 25)

    The Special Projects Assistant will be a member of the Rethinking Lawns project, a multi-disciplinary team exploring the ecological and ecosystem services benefits of traditional lawns, natural areas, and native, short-statured lawn replacement plantings.  

  • Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Polk County Agricultural Extension District (Altoona, IA; due Jan. 3)

    Objective

    ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County (Polk County Extension) builds a strong Iowa by connecting residents to the research and resources developed by Iowa State University. ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County offers educational programming and experiential learning opportunities to residents focused in four areas: K-12 outreach and youth development; health and well-being; agriculture and natural resources; and community and economic development.

    Polk County Extension, based in Altoona, has an immediate full-time opening for a Natural Resources Program Coordinator. Under general supervision, the coordinator will work with team of staff and volunteers to plan and implement the Master Conservationist program, Master Gardener education and volunteer service program, and other natural resources programs in Polk County. Leads the coordination of Master Conservationist program.  Organizes special program committees, assists with facilitation of Master Gardener program.  Assists with the development and implementation of Natural Resources Education related events.

  • Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator, Lake County Solid Waste Management District (Merrillville, IN; open until filled)

    Under general supervision, this position manages, plans, implements and monitors all educational programs related to the Environmental Education Center (“EEC”) and Community Outreach Program. This includes working with superintendents, principals, teachers, community leaders, residents & families, organizations & businesses, other solid waste districts, and all political sub-divisions in compliance with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District’s (“District”) Solid Waste Management Plan. This person guides the adaptation of appropriate environmental curriculum to draw participants to sustainable environmental education activities and to draw the public to the District and EEC as a resource in community greening efforts. This position understands the District strives to be a leader in environmental education and exhibits such leadership at all times. The EEOC demonstrates fidelity to the mission and educational values of the District with the goal of providing direct experiences and to create an active learning community where learners share ideas and expertise within and beyond their community and prompt continued inquiry. This position also performs managerial work in the development of long-range plans, assists with financial, administrative, and staff scheduling needs of the Environmental Education Program (“EEP”). 

  • Research Associates (2025-2027), Environmental Law Institute (Washington, DC; due Jan. 13)

    ELI is offering a two-year opportunity for Research Associates.  Research Associates at the Environmental Law Institute help grow dynamic initiatives in the environmental law and policy research space.  The Research Associate position is a two-year entry-level position that begins in Summer 2025 and ends in Summer 2027. 

  • Wildland Fire Academy information session December 11

    The Student Conservation Association Wildland Fire Academy is designed to diversify the U.S. Forest Service and increase its ability to confront the current wildfire crisis by creating a pipeline of trained wildfire professionals and fuels staff. Join us for our upcoming info session to learn more about this rewarding program and how you can be part of the solution. 

  • Conservation Biology Intern, Center for Biological Diversity (remote or Tucson, AZ; open until filled)

    The Center for Biological Diversity’s Southwest program seeks motivated and organized interns dedicated to protecting biodiversity and preventing species extinctions. A bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, environmental science, or related fields is required. The desired start date is as soon as possible.  

  • Freshwater@UW Summer (2025) Research Opportunities Program (13 Wisconsin universities; due Feb. 15)

    The Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program provides high-impact educational opportunities by facilitating immersive, hands-on mentored research experiences in freshwater science across the 13 UW Institutions. The program’s central aim is to support the growth of our freshwater research enterprise and freshwater workforce through collaborative, cross-system programming designed to train, recruit, retain and diversify the next generation of freshwater professionals 

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant for ACES DEI office

    The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences seeks a paid part-time undergraduate research assistant. As a research assistant, you will have the opportunity to pilot the ACES climate survey, recruit participants, and develop project management skills.  

    If interested, please email meagans4@illinois.edu

    $15/hr 

    Apply by December 6, 2024 at 6 AM

    Handshake ID: 9449989


  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.