NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Internships are Mt. Cuba Center’s greatest investment in the future. Our goal is to inspire students to have an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a desire to protect the environments that sustain them.

We offer two types of programs: a summer program that runs for 12 weeks for college undergraduates or recent college graduates and a one year program for recent college graduates.

Interpretive Naturalist 

Forest Preserve District of Will County

Plum Creek Nature Center | Beecher IL 

Click here for full details

Under the direction of the Facility Supervisor, perform programming and visitor services via interpretation of both natural and cultural history of the area at Forest Preserve visitor facilities. Develop, organize, and implement interpretive and recreational programs, activities, exhibits, and events at their respective facility.

Deadline is September 18, 2026. 

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

In 2017, the Udall Foundation anticipates awarding 60 scholarships of up to $7,000 each.

The Udall scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Big Island Farms offers internships (for which the student pays) on an organic permaculture farm in Hawaii.

The NGRREC internship is an amazing research based opportunity for undergraduates.

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 Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) is a fellowship program in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DFP is designed to provide a fellowship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate full time for at least 11 weeks on projects that meet the qualification of a rigorous internship program.

Participation in the DFP will offer the selected fellows an opportunity to demonstrate to supervisors and managers their potential for success. Management may directly hire a fellow who has successfully completed their fellowship program and requirements for his or her degree program.

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.

 The goal of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment is to diversify the conservation workforce by finding and developing the next generation of land, water, and wildlife professionals among traditionally underrepresented groups. 

Doris Duke Scholars are eager to be immersed in an experiential learning program that incorporates diversity and inclusion into their understanding of conservation practices.

Doris Duke Scholars are committed to becoming a part of and changing the conservation arena, bringing new ways of looking at, understanding, and protecting the earth's land, water and wildlife.

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

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.

Under general supervision, assist with Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management related work including seeding, erosion control, brush removal and basic maintenance of equipment.

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.

Focus on "Ecology in Human Dominated Landscapes". Rolling admission through January 24, 2020.

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

The 2020 conference of the National Association of Environmental Professionals is occurring virtually this week. They are offering Career Development sessions, and you can register for that portion of the conference free of charge (dont' let the prices scare you off on the first registration page, just keep going). These sessions will be from 11:00 to 11:55 am (Chicago time) Tuesday-Friday. The list of presenters and the link to registration are at https://naep.memberclicks.net/2020-career-development. They are also offering resume reviews.

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.

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

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.

The program has campers ages 10-16 who are interested in learning about adventure activities. Adventure activities include: White Water Rafting, Climbing Wall, Rappelling, Zip Lining, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Hatchet Throwing, Shooting Sports (Crossbows & Archery), and other 

Fellowship support for undergraduates valued at up to $8750 per year and renewable.

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.

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.