CONSERVATION POLICE SERGEANT

State-of-Illinois; Petersburg (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, seeks a Conservation Police Sergeant for District 10. You will supervise sworn officers, coordinate enforcement efforts, and liaise with county and state attorneys to ensure compliance with conservation laws.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, social sciences, or related conservation field, plus relevant supervisory and field experience; strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, social sciences, or conservation; related experience may substitute.
• Successful completion of Illinois Conservation Police Training Program.
• Three years’ law enforcement experience as a Conservation Police Officer.

Responsibilities

• Supervise district peace officers and manage investigations.
• Oversee district administrative work, records, and inspections.
• Liaise with county/state/US attorneys and coordinate enforcement with agencies.

Skills

Law enforcement

Supervisory experience

Interagency liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in law enforcement/social sciences/conservation

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58596
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 09/23/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title:CONSERVATION POLICE SERGEANT - 09347
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,644 monthly; Full Range: $9,644 - $14,190 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC104 Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Varies
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, Illinois, 62675
Work County: Menard
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler, [e-mail], 217-785-5387

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Conservation Police Sergeant for District 10. This position serves as a supervising sworn peace officer, directs personnel, serves as liaison with county, state, and US District Attorneys, and assists in coordinating law enforcement efforts between state and federal agencies. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under direction, serves as a supervising sworn statutory peace officer
• Oversees district administrative work, records, and field inspections
• Directs district personnel in the investigation of complaints
• Monitors and reviews all pending prosecutions related to conservation efforts within the District
• Provides public relations material to various organizations
• Develops and manages the administrative District's annual plan of work
• Enforces all Illinois Complied Statues, including federal laws
• As designated, serves as acting regional commander in the absence of higher level manager, assuming responsibility for the daily management of the region or program
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree, preferably with major coursework in either law enforcement, social justice, or the social sciences, or in a related conservation field such as forestry or natural resource management, biological and physical sciences; Equivalent training or related experience as a law enforcement officer or related technical conservation resource/public lands management experience may be substitued on a year-for-year basis
• Requires successful completion of an approved training program such as the Illinois Conservation Police Training Program which includes successful completion of the Illinois Basic Police Training Program
• Requires three years' law enforcement experience as a Conservation Police Officer

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of outdoor recreational and commercial equipment used for fishing, trapping, hunting, boating and snowmobiling
• Working knowledge of outdoor recreational participant's habits, methods, and techniques relative to various state and federal conservation laws
• Two (2) years of experience with investigations, arrests, confiscation and handling of evidence, and prosecution procedures
• Two (2) years of experience in supervisory techniques and practices
• Two (2) years of experience enforcing all applicable Illinois Revised Statues, federal and administrative laws
• Two (2) years of experience promoting safety education programs and other divisional programs and services at a district level

Employment Conditions

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires appropriate, valid Driver's license
• Ability to travel and work overtime as needed
• Ability to demonstrate continued physical proficiency
• Ability to demonstrate continued firearms qualifications
• Ability to continue departmental professional training
• Ability to swim
• Ability to work under adverse tactical conditions, exposed to outdoor temperature extremes and inclement weather
• Ability to effect physical arrests
• Must reside in District 10. District 10 includes the following counties: Cass, Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan, and Sangamon.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

Agency and Division Statements

Agency Statement
Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including, vision health and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

Office of Law Enforcement

The Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) supports the Department's programs designed to protect Illinois' natural and recreational resources through enforcement of those portions of the Illinois Compiled Statutes enacted for that purpose. Conservation Police Officers are vested with full state-wide police authority and are trained to the highest standards for law enforcement professionals in Illinois.

In addition to these enforcement responsibilities, Conservation Police Officers serve as an important link between the Department and its various constituencies (civic groups, sportsmen's groups, sport shows, etc.). These officers are called upon to assist outside agencies in emergency situations or rescue operations. They participate in the instruction of conservation related statutes to outside agencies, law enforcement organizations, or educational institutions upon request.

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Statement of Economic Interest:
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.