Program Manager

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Natural Resources Manager I to lead the Conservation Stewardship Program, train field staff, and coordinate program delivery across the state. The role requires a strong background in natural resources and policy, with supervisory responsibilities and travel throughout Illinois.

The position offers a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary, and union protections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management or related biological science.
• Five years progressively responsible professional experience in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management.
• Two years of experience leading volunteers, and coordinating with federal/state/local partners is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Department's Conservation Stewardship Program.
• Provides information to coordinate implementation of the program with Revenue and other agencies.
• Develops and updates the Conservation Stewardship operations manual; serves as full-line supervisor.

Skills

5+ years experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management or related biological science

Job description

Job Requisition ID:58756
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/22/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER I - 28836
Skill Option: Natural Heritage
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,952 a month; Full Range $6,952 - $9,774 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC056 Site Superintendents and Departments of Veterans' Affairs, Natural Resources, Human Services and Agriculture, and Historic Preservation Agency Managers, IFPE
Merit Comp Code: N/A
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters,1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler, 217/785-5387, [e-mail]

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 seeking to hire a Natural Resources Manager to provide front-line support for the Conservation Stewardship Program. This position coordinates with and trains ORC field staff and other appropriate staff in the delivery of professional/technical services to facilitate the review and/or the development of Conservation Management Plans; work with the Office Director to evaluate and make recommendations changes on state policies, programs, procedures, legislation and administrative rules; leads the development and evaluation of program‑related studies and investigations; travels the state to conduct statewide inspections and notifies the Department of Revenue of applicants who have not submitted the required Conservation Stewardship Program materials. As supervisor this position provides guidance and training to staff, approves time off and establishes annual goals and objectives. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Section Manager, administers the Department's Conservation StewardshipProgram.
• Provides the Illinois Department of Revenue with all information necessary to coordinate implementation of theConservation Stewardship Program.
• Develops and recommends updates to Conservation Stewardship operations manual.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of information systems used to facilitate the review of applications to
  the Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedabove.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree in fish, wildlife, forestryor natural heritage resource management or in a related biological science.
• Requires five years progressively responsible professional experience in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resourcemanagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience providing task-related direction and assistance for volunteers, landowners, sports enthusiasts, or the general public.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, other Natural Resource employees, and the general public.
• One (1) year of professional experience applying public relation principles, techniques, theories & practices, including the ability to deliver informational presentations.
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing technical direction/supervision to lower-level natural resource professional supportive staff, and others employing the services of the Department.
• Two (2) years of professional experience collecting data/information & analyzing technical data/reports.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource conservation.
• Two (2) years of professional experience applying natural resource management theory, principles, and practices.

Employment Conditions

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

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.

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.

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