District Wildlife Habitat Biologist

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Job Requisition ID: 56189 Opening Date: 05/28/2026 Closing Date: 06/11/2026 Agency: Department of Natural Resources Class Title: Natural Resources Specialist, Opt. 2 Skill Option: Wildlife Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $6,135 Monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 Monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Lee Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit 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: 12-46-56189 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 participate in the development of regional goals and objectives; formulate private land resource management strategies for the implementation, adherence, and compliance of related Divisional operational policies, procedures, and programs; provide technical direction to other District assigned personnel providing wildlife resource planning and management expertise to private landowners; conduct field investigations of wildlife mortality events, assist in managing events, and secure samples as appropriate; participate in the preparation and prioritization of the operating budget for the district. Essential Functions Under general direction of the Regional Wildlife Resources Administrator, provides professional, highly complex and comprehensive land, water and wildlife resource management and planning services on all private lands within the district. Provides professional, highly complex and comprehensive land, water and wildlife resource management and planning services on all public lands within the district. Conducts wildlife disease management and monitoring for diseases such as chronic wasting disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, avian influenza and others. Prepares and disseminates information regarding wildlife, wildlife habitat and related subjects to the general public, interested individuals and public/private organizations. Acts as liaison or serves as Regional Wildlife Administrator’s representative with State and Federal agencies and various other organizations (IEPA, State and Federal Depts of Agriculture, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and constituency groups) Prepares and maintains various technical records and reports such as accomplishment reports, daily and/or monthly activity reports, programmatic cost reports, and expenditure accounts relating to wildlife habitat management. Conducts wildlife capture and marking activities using specialized conservation techniques and equipment such as boats, outboard motors, various traps and rocket net launchers to conduct goose banding, wood duck trapping and dove trapping operations, and conducts surveys to monitor wildlife population trends. 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 ability equivalent to a master’s degree in wildlife resource management, or a directly related biological science; or requires 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. One (1) 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/federal laws and rules and regulations pertaining to wildlife management and conservation. One (1) year of experience collecting information and assist in analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports. Working knowledge of public relations principles, techniques, theories & practices, including the ability to deliver informational presentations. Conditions of Employment Requires the completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license. Requies ability to work under adverse environmental conditions. Requires ability to lift, carry, and transport loads exceeding sixty pounds. Requires ability to traverse rough, and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance. Requires ability to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles while using, carrying, or otherwise transporting a variety of equipment. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr