Conservation Director

Job Requisition ID: 53777 Closing Date: 03/20/2026​Agency: Department of Natural ResourcesClass Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) Skill Option: Agriculture/Conservation Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000-$12,000 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: SangamonNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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 looking to hire a Conservation Director for Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This position will coordinate the activites 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, develops and oversees budget plan, and works with other IDNR offices and Divisions to set priorities for land acquisition, natural areas stewardship and defense of protected sites using Natural Areas Aquisition 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 manangement 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 Acquistion 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 course work 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) year 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 Condidtions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodtion, 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 in section 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.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.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 8:00AM - 4:00PM w/ 1/2 lunch Headquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702 Work County: SangamonAgency Contact:  Vicky Fowler Email: vicky.fowler@illinois.govPhone #: 217-785-5387Posting Group: Leadership & Management

Agency statement - Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois' natural and cultural resources, 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 othr time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 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.

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.

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