Fishing Clinic Instructor

Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A state environmental agency is seeking a Conservation Education Representative in Peoria, Illinois, to develop and execute educational programs promoting the Urban Fishing Program. The role includes interacting with the public, conveying conservation ethics, and handling educational materials. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a preference for experience in public education. The position offers the opportunity to work outdoors and engage with the community in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or public speaking.
• Knowledge of the principles of conservation education preferred.
• Experience in a public education or information program is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Conservation Education Program.
• Serve as a program liaison with media outlets.
• Promote the Urban Fishing Program's services.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Conservation education

Data gathering

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or public speaking

Tools

Cameras

Projectors

Recording devices

Outdoor equipment

Job description

We are committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome.

Reasonable Accommodation

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations 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.

Date: Feb 10, 2026

Location: Peoria, IL, US 61603

Job Requisition ID: 53494

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Conservation Education Representative (CER) to work in Glen Oak Park for the Office of Land Management. Under general supervision of site staff, the CER will convey live fish and bait in an interactive fishing clinic designed to instill an appreciation and understanding of conservation ethics, sport fishing techniques and tackle, fish ecology and identification; gather data and assemble information; compose newspaper and magazine releases interpreting the Urban Fishing Program activities. Glen Oak Park's three-acre lagoon and its nearby amphitheater remain among the Peoria park District's more prominent landmarks. Qualified applicants are invited to apply.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Northwestern Urban Fishing Program Manager, develop and execute the Conservation Education Program for the Urban Fishing Program in Peoria County.
• Serve as program liaison with media outlets.
• Participate in staff meetings relating to the development and presentation of education and information material.
• Interpret and promote the Urban Fishing Program's services and activities.
• Develop and establish new and more effective methods of clinic instructions.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the above duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in journalism, English, or public speaking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Elementary knowledge of the principles of conservation education
• Two years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency
• One year of experience in public speaking
• One year of experience using cameras, projectors, recorders, and outdoor equipment
• One year of experience presenting ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• One year of experience preparing reports and keeping records on conservation education activities
• One year of fishing experience

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid Driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.

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 and cultural 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.

Office of Resource Conservation
The Office of Resource Conservation strives to conserve the state's wildlife, fisheries, natural lands and forest resources for future generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans.

Work Hours: Mon. - Sat., up to 37.5 hrs. per week, hours may vary due to inclement weather & clinic schedules

Headquarter Location: Glen Oak Park, 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

Work County: Peoria

Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources

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

Application Instructions

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in by using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Internal Candidate Application Job Aid; Non-State employees: Application Procedures (in the footer) on Illinois.jobs2web.com. The main form of communication will be via email. Please check your junk/spam folders for communications regarding any submitted applications. You may receive emails from the following addresses: [e-mail], [e-mail].

Nearest Major Market

Peoria