District Natural Heritage Biologist

Illinois Comptroller; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Natural Resources Specialist for the Division of Natural Heritage.

The role will identify and evaluate high-quality natural sites and endangered species habitats for inclusion in the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, advise on policies, permits, acquisitions and rules, and assist with herbicide/pesticide applications, prescribed burns, budgeting, and liaison work.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in natural heritage resource management or a related field; or a Bachelor's in natural heritage resource management or related biological science with two years of related experience.
• Two years of directly related professional experience.
• Preferred: Master's degree in wildlife, botany, ecology, or zoology.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, serves as District Natural Heritage Biologist, manages and implements the Division's natural heritage programs in central Illinois.
• Conducts stewardship of natural communities and species habitats.
• Facilitates program-oriented research, surveys, and investigations.
• Prepares and reviews resource management plans and protection documents.
• Participates in establishing district and regional goals and objectives.
• Advocates for natural heritage resources.
• Performs other duties within scope of duties.

Education

Master's or Bachelor's in natural heritage resource management or related biological science

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

do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58643Opening Date: 09/28/2026Closing Date: 10/13/2026Agency: Department of Natural ResourcesClass Title:NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 28832Skill Option:Natural HeritageBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,135 monthly; Full Range: $6,135 - $8,790 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code: N/A
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: 700 S 10th St, Havana, Illinois, 62644Work County: MasonAgency Contact: Vicky Fowler, 217/785-5387, Vicky.Fowler @ illinois.gov

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

Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned and a copy of any applicable

professional licenses you possess

to MY DOCUMENTS section of your application.

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 seeking to hire a Natural Resources Specialist for The Division of Natural Heritage. This position will serve as District Natural Heritage Biologist identifing and evaluating high quality natural sites and endangered species habitats for inclusion in the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, provide insight on Department policies, permits, acquistions and administrative rules, apply herbicides and pesticides to control invasive species and exotic plants, prepare and implement prescribed burn fire plans, assist in preparing the regional budget and the annual district plan of work, and prepare presentations and act as a liaison supporting natural heritage resources with other agencies and constituents. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the Regional Manager, serves as District Natural Heritage Biologist, andadministers, manages, and implements the Division's natural heritage programs in central Illinois.


• Conducts stewardship of natural communities and species habitats.


• Facilitates program-orientated research, surveys, and investigations.


• Prepares and reviews resource management plans and protection documents.


• Participates in establishing district and regional goals and objectives.


• Advocates for natural heritage resources.


• Performs other duties required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedherein.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a master's degree in natural heritageresource management, or a directly related biological science; or a bachelor’s degree in natural heritage resourcemanagement, or a directly related biological science, supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a master’s degree in a wildlife, botany, ecology, or zoology focused major.


• Extensive knowledge on managing flora and fauna and threatened and endangered species management.


• Two (2) years of professional experience involving ecological processes and modern habitat management techniques using specialized conservation equipment.


• Two (2) years of experience prioritizing and managing multiple projects with minimal direct supervision.


• Two (2) years of experience collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data/reports.


• One(1) year of experience in providing task -related direction and assistance to seasonal or intermittent employees

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.


• Requires valid driver’s license.


• Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.


• Ability to obtain pesticide operator’s license within 6 months of employment.


• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.


• Ability to lift, carry, and transport loads exceeding sixty pounds.


• Ability to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance.


• Ability to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles carrying a variety of technical equipment.


• Ability to obtain Illinois Burn Boss Certification.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the 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 health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Division of Natural Heritage

It is the mission of the Division of Natural Heritage to protect, restore, manage, and promote the responsible use of the Illinois' native flora and fauna, natural communities, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems; and through our leadership, ensure for future generations of the greatest social, environmental, and economic benefits that can be provided through healthy ecosystems.

We work with our sister programs, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, to protect and manage remnants of our original natural heritage and to restore degraded natural areas.

The Natural Heritage Division is responsible for Identification, Protection, Stewardship, and Defense of our state's Natural Heritage. Natural Heritage is all of the flora, fauna, ecosystem types, and geological features inherited from past generations and maintained in the present, to be passed on to future generations.

This position DOES NOT contain \"Specialized Skills\" (as that term is used in CBAs).