District Natural Heritage Biologist

Job Requisition ID: 56968 Opening Date: 07/17/2026Closing Date: 07/31/2026Agency: Department of Natural ResourcesClass Title: NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 28832 Skill Option: Natural Heritage Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: WillNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit 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.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Please upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to MY DOCUMENTS section of your application

Posting Identification Number  12-48-56968 

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 Specialist for the Office of Resource Conservation.  This position will serve as Lead for species recovery including assessing status, planning to address threats and limitations to the species, and implementing conservation actions; apply herbicide and pesticide as a management practice to control invasive and exotic plants and pests; prepare and implement prescribed fire plans and technically administer all aspects of the prescribed fire plan; prepare and/or distribute information through various methods including scientific publications, media inquiries, presentations, and through other outreach events.  We welcome qualified and interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the Regional Manager, serves as District Natural Heritage Biologist and administers, manages, and implements the Division’s natural heritage programs in north-eastern Illinois. 
• Conducts stewardship of natural communities and species habitats. 
• Facilitates program-oriented research, surveys, and investigations. 
• Prepares and reviews resource management plans and protection documents. 
• Participates in establishing district and regional goals and objectives. 
• Advocates for natural heritage resources.
• Serves as designated lead worker. 
• Performs other duties required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a master’s degree in natural heritage resource management, or a directly related biological science; or requires a bachelor’s degree in natural heritage resource management, or a directly related biological science, supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a master’s degree in a wildlife, botany, ecology, or zoology focused major.
• Extensive knowledge on managing flora and fauna and threatened and endangered species management.
• Two (2) years of professional experience involving ecological processes and modern habitat management techniques using specialized conservation equipment.
• Two (2) years of experience prioritizing and managing multiple projects with minimal direct supervision.
• Two (2) years of experience collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data/reports.
• One(1) year of experience in providing task-related direction and assistance to seasonal or intermittent employees, volunteers, landowners, or the general public. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires valid Illinois class D driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Ability to obtain pesticide operator’s license within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry and transport loads exceeding sixty pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance.
• Ability to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles carrying a variety of technical equipment.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Burn Boss Certification.

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.

Division of Natural Heritage

It is the mission of the Division of Natural Heritage to protect, restore, manage, and promote the responsible use of the Illinois' native flora and fauna, natural communities, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems; and through our leadership, ensure for future generations of the greatest social, environmental, and economic benefits that can be provided through healthy ecosystems.

We work with our sister programs, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, to protect and manage remnants of our original natural heritage and to restore degraded natural areas.

The Natural Heritage Division is responsible for Identification, Protection, Stewardship, and Defense of our state's Natural Heritage. Natural Heritage is all of the flora, fauna, ecosystem types, and geological features inherited from past generations and maintained in the present, to be passed on to future generations. 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm w/ 1/2 hr. lunch
Headquarter Location: Des Plaines Game Farm, 30550 S Boathouse Rd, Wilmington, Illinois, 60481
Work County: Will
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler
Email: vicky.fowler@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-5387
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 on the 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: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com