District Wildlife Habitat Biologist

Job Requisition ID: 56201 • Nat. Resources Specialist – 28832 (Wildlife) • Opening Date: 06/04/2026 • Closing Date: 06/18/2026 • Location: Charleston, IL, 61920 • Salary: $6,135 – $8,790 per month • Type: Salaried Full Time • County: Coles • Vacancy: 1 In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, no wage or salary history is required. Position Overview The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Natural Resources Specialist at Wildlife District 17 for the Office of Resource Conservation. The role involves professional land, water, and wildlife resource management, completing high-priority wildlife and field investigations, providing technical assistance on private and public lands, developing regional goals and plans, and coordinating wildlife resource planning with State and Federal agencies. Essential Functions Provide comprehensive land, water, and wildlife resource management and planning services on all public lands within the district. Conduct wildlife disease management and monitoring for diseases such as chronic wasting disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, avian influenza, and others. Provide comprehensive land, water, and wildlife resource management and planning services on all private lands within the district. Prepare and disseminate information regarding wildlife, wildlife habitat, and related subjects to the general public, interested individuals, and public/private organizations. Conduct wildlife capture and marking activities using specialized conservation techniques and equipment such as boats, outboard motors, wood duck traps, rocket net launchers, and conduct surveys to monitor wildlife population trends. Act as liaison or serve as the Regional Wildlife Administrator’s representative with State and Federal agencies and other organizations to coordinate wildlife resource planning and management efforts. Prepare and maintain technical records and reports such as accomplishment reports, daily/ monthly activity reports, programmatic cost reports, and expenditure accounts related to wildlife habitat management. Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, skill, and mental ability equivalent to a master’s degree in wildlife resource management or a directly related biological science, or a bachelor’s degree in wildlife resource management or a directly related biological science supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience. Preferred Qualifications Extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, and modern wildlife management techniques. At least one year of directly-related experience as a professional wildlife biologist or professional natural resource manager with responsibility for planning and implementing natural resource management practices on public and/or private land. Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to wildlife management and conservation. One year of experience collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data/reports. Working knowledge of public relations principles, techniques, theories, and practices, including the ability to deliver informational presentations. Conditions of Employment Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. Valid driver’s license. Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions. Ability to lift loads exceeding 60 lbs., traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance, and navigate natural obstacles while using and transporting equipment. Ability to travel in the performance of duties. 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. Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm with a half‑hour lunch. Headquarter Location: 1660 W Polk Ave, Charleston, IL, 61920. Work County: Coles. Contact: Vicky Fowler, View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources. All applicants must be able to meet the conditions of employment listed above, with or without reasonable accommodation. The State is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr