NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

NRES Business Office is seeking a part-time office assistant (10-20 hours per week) for the summer.

INHS is seeking a Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist in Wetland Plant Ecology (level is dependent on qualifications) (up to three hires, depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to Administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing, and conducting basic and applied research with an emphasis on the coordination and participation in wetland determinations, assessments, and monitoring. The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

The Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking 2 Field Technicians to work with Survey botanists to conduct statewide monitoring of forest, wetland, and grassland vegetation for the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP). This position is based in Champaign, Illinois. Candidates must have undergraduate coursework in biology, ecology, botany, or related subjects, preferably with field experience in plant biology. Applicants must be 1) willing to work outside under sometimes difficult field and environmental conditions, 2) travel regularly for 3-4 days at a time throughout Illinois with overnight hotel stays and sharded driving responsibilities, 3) competently use a computer and other electronic equipment, and 4) show good organizational skills. Long workdays are expected. A valid driver's license is requested. Ability to sort insects to order preferred, but not required. Salary $12.50 - $14.50 per hour depending on experience. Up to 40 hours per week. Available: Preferred duration: 16 May through 31 August 2022. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible. To Apply: Email cover letter explaining your interests, qualifications, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references (including email addresses) to Timothy Rye at trye@illinois.edu, (reference "Summer Botanist" in the subject line) Application deadline is March 15, 2022, but will remain open until positions are filled. 

The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http//go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-verify program and participates in background check program focusses on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.

INHS is seeking a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Soils (level is dependent on qualifications) ( up to two hires, depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing and conducting basic and applied research with an emphasis on the coordination and participation in wetland determinations, assessment, and monitoring. The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

May be of interest to continuing or graduating students. Due February 14, 2020.

Shawnee National Forest – AmeriCorps – Individual Placement Opportunity

1. Position Title: Fuels Technician – AmeriCorps – Individual Placement (Up to two placement opportunities) 
2. Conservation Legacy Program: Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC)
3. Site Location:USDA Forest Service | Shawnee National Forest | Murphysboro, IL 62966
   1. Government housing will not be provided, however, ALCC and Forest Service staff will assist selected candidate(s) in securing suitable housing arrangements within proximity to the reporting site. 
4. Terms of Service: Exact service schedules may vary. 
   1. Start Date: NLT, 09/14/2026
   2. End Date: NLT, 08/29/2027
   3. AmeriCorps Classification: 1700 hours (46-48 weeks)

 Qualifications: 

1. United States Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident 
2. At least 18 years of age
3. Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
4. Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check
5. Driver’s License, clean driving record and must have a personal vehicle for commute. 
6. Ability to complete the Work Capacity Test (WCT) for wildland firefighters at the moderate level or higher

 Benefits: 

1. Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00
2. Living Allowance of $650.00 per week
3. Additional Benefit of $200.00 per week
4. Public Land Corp (PLC) Hiring Authority Certificate 

See the Conservation Legacy's job board for more details on this position and other current openings: https://conservationlegacy.org/search-all-positions

As part of the 2018 Natural Areas Conference (October 23-25 in Bloomington, IN), the US Forest Service is holding a Job Outreach Event on Thursday, October 25th. Carefully check registration rates before making plans to attend.

Leads the Prairie on Farms program, developing expertise in seed-based prairie restoration and agricultural conservation programs; establishes relationships with rural stakeholders and initiates a project to address long term management of remnant and restored prairies; provides logistic support for selected Center projects and conducts prairie outreach and education; assists Director in seeking external funds for the program and manages grant budgets; and participates in common activities of the Center including improvements to Irvine Prairie 

The Division of General Studies is hiring Peer Advisors to assist with New Student Registration for Summer 2023 

The Program Coordinator has two main responsibilities: 1) act as the liaisonbetween IFS and the trip instructor/students to ensure that all details of eachtrip are handled properly and IFS is of maximum assistance to theinstructor/students and 2) responsible for administration of trips includingbilling, form collection and coordinating travel. The employee performs a fullrange of office support assignments.

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 Survey.  This position is located in Havana, Illinois.

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

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.

The Illilnois Natural History Survey and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville are recruiting for the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduats (REU) for summer 2019. Undergraduate students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years in fall 2019 with interests in archaeology and ecology, especially first generated college students, are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is February 25, 2019.

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.

Do you enjoy teaching kids, exploring new places, and meeting other nature and scienceenthusiasts?

Become a Nature on Wheels Instructor this spring and travel across New England providing outdoor learning experiences to elementary and middle school students.

Looking for a rewarding career in conservation? NDOW has a wide variety of employment opportunities with meaningful responsibilities that help shape the future of Nevada’s wildlife and wild spaces. 

The Content Specialist & Evaluation Associate works as part of the Science Education Research Center (SERC) team at Carleton College to develop new and improve existing websites, support professional development programming, maintain SERC collections, and assist in education research and evaluation projects. The Science Education Resource Center is a grant-funded office at Carleton College, founded to improve education in the Earth sciences and beyond. Today we are a team of 13 educators, researchers and technical specialists who have worked with over 100 award winning education projects across the STEM disciplines and allied fields.

The Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana is hiring camp-subs for the summer. 

Camp-subs don’t have guaranteed hours, but you would attend their trainings and can then pick up shifts throughout the summer. 

It’s a low commitment way to gain experience if you are in town. 

Job description: CampSub.26.JobDescription.pdf 

Contact Cathy cmschneider@urbanaparks.org with any questions.

CAMP LEADER SUB

Number of Positions: 4-6

Salary: $15.75-$16.75/hour; as needed for 10 weeks; Plus paid planning and training hours as needed

Dates: June 3 – August 7, 2026; Monday – Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm

Training: Evenings May 13, 19, and 20; Day of June 1 & 2

GENERAL DESCRIPTION/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Camp Coordinators across the district, the Camp Leader Sub assists in the implementation of summer camp as needed. Leaders will supervise campers ages 3-15. Subs will be given as much notice as possible when Camp Leader Sub shifts arise; an additional $1/hr will be added to compensation for picking up shifts day-of. 

Camp leaders are responsible for the safety of all campers, meeting camp objectives, working within a budget, and communicating with adults and supervisors. Daily activities include (but not limited to) arts & crafts, nature hikes, hands-on exploration, active games, team building activities, and taking field trips via MTD.

As a benefit, all camp staffers receive both a summer pool pass to the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center and a summer membership to the Urbana Health and Wellness Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Interest, enthusiasm, and experience in planning and leading youth programs. Enjoyment of nature, community and familiarity with local cultural and natural resources. Ability to supervise campers, make fair decisions, and carry out a wide variety of activities. CPR and First Aid certifications are required.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. Assist in the planning, organization and/or implementation preplanned activity schedule of high quality activities.
2. 2. Participate in pre-camp staff training and planning sessions.
3. 3. Become familiar with campers; know their personalities, skills and interests.
4. 4. Navigate local MTD bus routes for camper transportation.
5. 5. Ensure safety of campers and staff.
6. 6. Enforce camp rules.
7. 7. Communicate with adults/parents about daily camp activities.
8. 8. Complete all necessary forms and documents.
9. 9. Follow and enforce all Urbana Park District policies and procedures.
10. 10. Complete other work-related duties as assigned by Camp Coordinators

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must have the ability to work outdoors under various weather and environmental conditions.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and actively participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to swimming, arts and crafts, physical games, and educational activities
• Must be able to respond quickly in an emergency.
• Must be able to maneuver on and off of CUMTD buses.
• Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind. Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor environment and children’s well-being.
• May be asked to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in various forms.
• May be required to crouch, sit, stand, or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time.

Environmental Education Fellows are key members of the Dunes Learning Center team and are responsible for providing meaningful experiences for children and adults regarding the diversity of ecosystems and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes all year long. They 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.

The Minnesota DNR is currently seeking a statewide specialist on gamebird management, with an emphasis on management of wild turkey, pheasant, grouse species, and other resident gamebirds. 

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.

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.

Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. We provide stewardship to protected public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Kentucky. SAWS partners with federal agencies, including the Forest Service, to supplement existing stewardship efforts and provide additional support for training, skill-building, and community engagement. SAWS works to support safe, equitable access to public lands, preserve natural resources, and develop the next generation of conservation stewards. 

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.

Provide health protection services to the public in environmental health, communicable disease, and public health preparedness programs including but not limited to food sanitation, potable water, sewage disposal, vector control, solid waste, toxic and hazardous substances, indoor air, indoor tanning, body art, housing, facility sanitation, public health emergency preparedness, tobacco enforcement and nuisances. 

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

The Fisheries Technician will conduct field work related to removal, suppression, containment, and monitoring of invasive carp in the Missouri and Arkansas River basins according to the direction of the Invasive Carp Biologist and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator.

Humane Wildlife Solutions LLC is now hiring!
...and looking to fill one or two positions immediately!

Humane Wildlife Solutions LLC seeks to transform the way we address conflicts with urban wildlife in St. Louis City, County, and surrounding areas. We offer to residents and businesses in these areas a variety of completely humane services designed especially for the welfare of wildlife.

In short, we provide long-term solutions at affordable prices without harming wild animals.

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 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic candidate for an Extension Prescribed Fire Specialist position. Under general supervision, this position will be responsible for coordinating, conducting, and leading prescribed fires and prescribed fire training and outreach across Indiana. This position will also be responsible for supporting the formation of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBA) and supporting the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council (INPFC). In addition, this individual will work closely with Indiana conservation partners to develop prescribed fire training and outreach that builds the capacity and support for prescribed fire on public and private land in Indiana. 

The Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) is seeking an individual for a three-year Environmental Management Staffer position within its Environmental Management Career Development Program. All CRC Staffers in the Environmental Management Career Development Program support the work of the Chesapeake Bay Program. The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) brings together leaders from state, federal and local government, as well as academia and the watershed’s many communities, to collaborate on creating the best strategies and tools for cleaning up the Bay and the rivers and streams that flow into it and engaging with diverse communities to restore habitat health for living resources and promote stewardship for an environmentally and economically sustainable Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Program is fueled by science and driven by partnership.

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. 

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 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.

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. 

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking multiple (up to 10) 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. 

The Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator is a mission-critical, hands-on land management leader who plays a central role in advancing GPF’s conservation outcomes across East-Central Illinois. With a primary focus on Warbler Ridge Conservation Area (~80% of work time), the Coordinator will intermittently work across all GPF sites across the 130-mile service area across (8) counties in Central Illinois. This position partners closely with the Natural Areas Manager to implement land management plans, lead stewardship operations, and ensure ecological integrity across GPF’s diverse portfolio of prairies, savannas, forests, and conservation lands. 

We are hiring one technician to assist with the collection of field data at sites within the Hoosier National Forest, in southern Indiana, as part of a collaborative study between the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University and the USDA Forest Service. The technician will work alongside a graduate student collecting vegetation data (overstory, understory, and herbaceous) and soil samples to study long-term forest change. Basic knowledge of proper field techniques and backcountry safety are required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license