Program Manager

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, View phone number on click.appcast.io, 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.

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.

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 Stewardship Program.
• Provides the Illinois Department of Revenue with all information necessary to coordinate implementation of the Conservation 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 enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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).

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:

• View email address on click.appcast.io
• View email address on click.appcast.io