Conservation Director
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL, United States
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 CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 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: Mar 6, 2026
Location: Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID: 53777
Closing Date: 03/20/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Agriculture/Conservation
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000-$12,000 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
Position Overview The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Conservation Director for Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This position will coordinate the activities of nine (9) member, Governor‑appointed, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) and serve as a full supervisor for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission staff, which includes developing, reviewing, and approving plans of work for nature preserves, developing and overseeing budget plan, and working with other IDNR offices and divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship, and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Funds. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.
Essential Functions
Manages the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, (INPC)
Serves as full supervisor
Coordinates and reviews through subordinate staff the process of landowner requests, research permits, land and water registrations, lease agreements and property easements
Consults with the state, federal, and international agencies on regional, national, and international wildlife management issues, policy, and regulations.
Develops and oversees budget plan to meet Commission and staff needs
Works with other IDNR Offices and Divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Funds
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable with the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in natural resource management, parks and recreation, or natural sciences.
Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in environmental protection, natural resources preservation, and/or environmental management.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or related degree including but not limited to: Zoology, Biology, Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, etc
Three (3) years of professional experience supervising a staff of five (5) or more employees
Three (3) years of experience in natural resources management.
Three (3) years of experience in developing employee work plans or organizational strategic planning
Three (3) years of managing a budget or funds in a public or private entity
Three (3) years of experience in development or review of site management plans
Three (3) years of experience in public speaking and delivering presentations to diverse audiences
Three (3) years of experience in the application of state and local laws that provide legal protection for high‑quality natural areas
Employment Conditions All Applicants Must Be Able To Meet The Following Conditions Of Employment, With Or Without Reasonable Accommodation, To Be Considered For This Position. The State Of Illinois Complies With Federal And State Disability Laws And Will Make Reasonable Accommodations For Applicants And Employees With Disabilities.
Requires completion of background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
Requires ability to work overtime as needed and be available, as necessary
Requires ability to work flexible hours outside of normal office hours.
Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
This position has been found to meet the requirements insection 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 to untimely filings.
Division Statement Illinois Nature Preserves Commission – The mission of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) is to assist private and public landowners in protecting high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species; in perpetuity, through voluntary dedication or registration of such lands into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. The Commission promotes the preservation of these significant lands and provides leadership in their stewardship, management, and protection.
Work Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM w/ ½ lunch
Headquarter Location IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County Sangamon
Agency Contact Vicky Fowler Email: vicky.fowler@illinois.gov Phone #: 217‑785‑5387
Posting Group Leadership & Management
Agency statement Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources 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.
Term Appointment Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four‑year terms at the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources discretion.
Communications 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
Nearest Major Market Springfield
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 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: Mar 6, 2026
Location: Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID: 53777
Closing Date: 03/20/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Agriculture/Conservation
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000-$12,000 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
Position Overview The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Conservation Director for Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This position will coordinate the activities of nine (9) member, Governor‑appointed, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) and serve as a full supervisor for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission staff, which includes developing, reviewing, and approving plans of work for nature preserves, developing and overseeing budget plan, and working with other IDNR offices and divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship, and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Funds. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.
Essential Functions
Manages the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, (INPC)
Serves as full supervisor
Coordinates and reviews through subordinate staff the process of landowner requests, research permits, land and water registrations, lease agreements and property easements
Consults with the state, federal, and international agencies on regional, national, and international wildlife management issues, policy, and regulations.
Develops and oversees budget plan to meet Commission and staff needs
Works with other IDNR Offices and Divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Acquisition Funds
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable with the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in natural resource management, parks and recreation, or natural sciences.
Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in environmental protection, natural resources preservation, and/or environmental management.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or related degree including but not limited to: Zoology, Biology, Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, etc
Three (3) years of professional experience supervising a staff of five (5) or more employees
Three (3) years of experience in natural resources management.
Three (3) years of experience in developing employee work plans or organizational strategic planning
Three (3) years of managing a budget or funds in a public or private entity
Three (3) years of experience in development or review of site management plans
Three (3) years of experience in public speaking and delivering presentations to diverse audiences
Three (3) years of experience in the application of state and local laws that provide legal protection for high‑quality natural areas
Employment Conditions All Applicants Must Be Able To Meet The Following Conditions Of Employment, With Or Without Reasonable Accommodation, To Be Considered For This Position. The State Of Illinois Complies With Federal And State Disability Laws And Will Make Reasonable Accommodations For Applicants And Employees With Disabilities.
Requires completion of background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
Requires ability to work overtime as needed and be available, as necessary
Requires ability to work flexible hours outside of normal office hours.
Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
This position has been found to meet the requirements insection 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 to untimely filings.
Division Statement Illinois Nature Preserves Commission – The mission of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) is to assist private and public landowners in protecting high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species; in perpetuity, through voluntary dedication or registration of such lands into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. The Commission promotes the preservation of these significant lands and provides leadership in their stewardship, management, and protection.
Work Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM w/ ½ lunch
Headquarter Location IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County Sangamon
Agency Contact Vicky Fowler Email: vicky.fowler@illinois.gov Phone #: 217‑785‑5387
Posting Group Leadership & Management
Agency statement Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources 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.
Term Appointment Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four‑year terms at the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources discretion.
Communications 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
Nearest Major Market Springfield
#J-18808-Ljbffr