Wildlife Programs Section Manager

Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Natural Resources Manager III for the Office of Resource Conservation.

This position will serve as the lead administrator to implement and coordinate wildlife resource planning, management and research activities within the Division; coordinate with Program Managers and the Field Operations Section to develop and implement wildlife program annual plans of work and to disseminate management recommendations to field staff and the public.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor degree in wildlife or closely related biological science.
• Six years progressively responsible professional wildlife experience including two years supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership as Wildlife Programs Section Manager.
• Evaluates policies, programs, procedures, legislation and rules; develops and implements changes.
• Plans, controls and directs annual program budget; establishes priorities.
• Serves as Division's liaison with Federal/State governments and private organizations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Wildlife program management

Policy analysis

Budget planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or closely 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.

Date: Oct 30, 2026

Location: Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Job Requisition ID: 59408

Opening Date: 10/30/2026

Closing Date: 11/17/2026

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Class Title: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER III - 28838

Skill Option: Wildlife

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $8,493 a month; Full Range: $8,493-$12,124 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: 2 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, [e-mail], 217-785-5387

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 III for the Office of Resource Conservation. This position will serve as the lead administrator to implement and coordinate wildlife resource planning, management and research activities within the Division; coordinate with Program Managers and the Field Operations Section to develop and implement wildlife program annual plans of work and to disseminate management recommendations to field staff and the public; coordinate with the ORC Federal Aid and Special Fund Section for the administration of federal aid funds and other special fund grants; and conducts research program development efforts with the IL Natural History Survey, IL and US Environmental Protection Agencies, US Fish & Wildlife Service, U S Army Corps of Engineers, US Forest Service, the Wildlife Society, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, IL Departments of Agriculture and Public Health, Natural Resource Conservation Service and non-governmental, local state and national private organization. We welcome all qualified and interested candidates who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Subject to the Administrator of the Division of Wildlife Resources, provides specialized and advanced professional counseling on a statewide basis as the Wildlife Programs Section Manager.
• In consultation with Division Administrator and other Division Program Managers evaluates existing State and Federal policies programs procedures legislation and administrative rules and develops, recommends, and/or implements changes.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Coordinates operational activities of the Wildlife Resources Division to ensure comprehensive and integrated program development and Implementation.
• Serves as Division's liaison with Federal/State governments and private organizations.
• Plans, controls, and directs development of annual Program budget and the establishment of priorities.
• Performs a variety of other diverse and challenging duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of bachelor's degree in wildlife or closely related biological science.
• Requires six years progressively responsible professional experience in wildlife, including two years professional supervisory experience such as would be acquired as a statewide natural resource program manager or regional resource manager.

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 performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.
• 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.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Agency and Division 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.

REVOLVING DOOR Requirements

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Economic Interest Statement

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.

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

Nearest Major Market: Springfield