Program Manager

Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 96,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Program Manager for the Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management. This role directs the administrative hearing process for plugging and restoration projects, coordinates with the Office of Legal Counsel, and reviews contractor applications to recover costs through the PRF.

The position requires strong public administration experience, solid coordination skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects across agencies.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree; preferably in business or public administration.
• Three years of progressively responsible administrative experience.
• Experience preparing documents for administrative hearings preferred.
• Experience with state government contracts procurement.
• Data querying and ad hoc reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Well Site Plugging and Restoration Fund (PRF) Program as statewide manager.
• Oversees PRF activities and acts as Department liaison.
• monitors abandoned well sites and analyzes ownership information.
• Coordinates with PRF staff and contractors for plugging/restoration work.
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulations across sites.

Skills

Administrative coordination

Public administration knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Policy interpretation

Education

Four-year college degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word)

Docuware imaging system

BidBuy procurement system

Job description

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.

Date: Nov 5, 2026

Location: Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Working Title: Program Manager

Job Requisition ID: 58053

Opening Date: 11/05/2026

Closing Date: 11/20/2026

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,571 a month; Full Range $8,571 - $12,651 a month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME

Merit Comp Code: N/A

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 Program Manager for the Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management. This position will direct activities related to the administrative hearing process for abandoned and leaking wells; serve as liaison between PRF Program and office of Legal Counsel; review applications from potential plugging and restoration contractors; initiate and direct Department cost recovery actions for plugging and restoration work paid out of the PRF; act as liaison with Illinois Petroleum Resources Board (IPRB) in joint PRF projects; and observe abandoned well sites and tank battery sites to determine location, assess conditions, compliance with applicable regulations and completion of plugging and restoration work conducted by contractors. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management ensures the protection and proper development of Illinois' oil and gas resources, while protecting the state's environment, land, and water resources. We welcome qualified and interested applicants who would like to be part of this team.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as statewide Program Manager of the Well Site Plugging and Restoration Fund (PRF) Program and working supervisor to the PRF staff.
• Serves as working supervisor.
• Monitors PRF reimbursement activities and serves as Department liaison.
• Oversees abandoned well sites and analyzes ownership information.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in preparing documents and presenting information required for administrative hearings and evaluating well sites and production facilities to determine if they meet the definition of abandoned well.
• Two (2) years of experience interpreting and applying the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and associated regulations and/or the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act and associated regulations.
• Two (2) years of experience working with the Microsoft Office Suites (including Excel, Access and Word) and working with the Docuware imagining or similar system.
• Two (2) years of experience with BidBuy or similar procurement systems as it pertains to letting of contracts.
• Working knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations governing the production of oil and gas.
• Two (2) years of experience in preparing, tracking, and managing Plugging and Restoration Fund, or similar state government-type contracts.
• Two (2) years of experience in monitoring activities authorized by Plugging and Restoration Fund, or similar state government-type contracts to ensure compliance with such contracts.
• Two (2) years of experience in maintaining effective business relationships with external stakeholders, such as private entities, federal and municipal officials, and the public, for accomplishing a common goal and providing superior public service.
• Two (2) years of experience in the manipulation of data, including writing queries and generating ad hoc reports within the Corel Paradox or other database management systems.

Special Skills

• Two (2) years of experience in preparing documents and presenting information required for administrative hearings and evaluating well sites and productions facilities to determine if they meet the definition of abandoned well.
• Two (2) years of experience interpreting and applying the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and associated regulations and/or the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act and associated regulations.
• Two (2) years of experience working with the Microsoft Office Suites (including Excel, Access and Word) and working with the Docuware imagining database system.
• Two (2) years of experience with the BidBuy procurement system as it pertains to letting of Plugging and Restoration Fund (PRF) Program contracts.

Conditions of Employment

• 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, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Ability to walk considerable distance over uneven terrain and plowed fields to observe well sites and production facilities.
• 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 (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to 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 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 Oil and Gas Resource Management

The Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management (OOGRM) is the regulatory authority in Illinois for permitting, drilling, operating, and plugging oil and gas production wells. The Office implements the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and enforces standards for the construction and operation of related production equipment and facilities. In addition, the Office regulates the injection of fluids into underground injection wells, through the UIC Program, and cleans up abandoned well sites through the PRF and Landowner Grant Programs.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Headquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Work County: Sangamon

Work Location: IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Posting Group: Leadership & Management