Program Manager

State of Illinois; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking a Natural Resources Manager to provide front-line support for the Conservation Stewardship Program. You will coordinate with ORC field staff, train applicable personnel, and help evaluate state policies and procedures.

The role involves developing studies, traveling the state for inspections, and supervising staff to ensure timely, accurate program delivery. Hybrid schedule 3–5 in-office days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related biological sciences required.
• Five years progressively responsible professional experience in fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource management.
• Preferred: 2 years directing volunteers/public; 2 years coordinating with federal/state/local bodies; 1 year public relations; 2 years supervising staff; 2 years data collection/analysis.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Conservation Stewardship Program.
• Oversees information systems used to facilitate review of applications.
• Leads supervisory responsibilities and provides staff training.
• Travels statewide to conduct inspections and coordinate with the Department of Revenue.
• Develops and updates program operations manual.

Skills

Task-related direction to volunteers &

Interagency relationship building

Public presentation skills

Staff supervision

Data collection & analysis

Education

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

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.

Job Requisition ID:58756Opening Date: 10/07/2026Closing Date: 10/22/2026Agency: Department of Natural ResourcesClass Title:NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER I - 28836Skill Option:Natural HeritageBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,952 a month; Full Range $6,952 - $9,774 a monthJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC056 Site Superintendents and Departments of Veterans' Affairs, Natural Resources, Human Services and Agriculture, and Historic Preservation Agency Managers, IFPEMerit Comp Code: N/AWork Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pmAnticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters,1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702Work County: SangamonAgency 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.

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).