Job Description

​Agency:  Department of Natural Resources
Class Title:  CONSERVATION EDUCATION REPRESENT - 09300 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  None 
Closing Date/Time: 03/26/2025
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,412 monthly; Full Salary Range $4,412-$5,991 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time 
County: LaSalle
Number of Vacancies: 3
Plan/BU:  RC062

NOTE: THIS POSITION IS A TEMPORARY SEASONAL POSITION THAT WILL NOT EXCEED SIX MONTHS

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.

Posting Identification Number 12-32-45475  

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 Conservation Education Representatives (CER’s) to work at multiple state park locations throughout Illinois. Under the general supervision of the site staff, the CER will be engaged in a variety of activities to promote the recreational, educational, and ecological aspects of these sites. CERs will work to coordinate, develop, and present site-relevant interpretive programming to visitors and special groups for outreach, and for other off-site programming as needed. The ideal candidate will develop, implement, and conduct the public Interpretive Programs which highlight the unique features of that site. This involves coordinating public use of the areas, leading walking and hiking tours, designing presentations, working with schools, working with volunteer staff, and assisting in media relations. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, presents programs, activities and events to the general public, school groups, and special interest groups at Starved Rock State Park
• Develops a familiarity with department rules, regulations, and park history
• Develops and implements the natural or outdoor recreational site’s interpretive program plan
• Assists in the training of volunteers for ongoing needs or special events
• Interprets departmental rules and regulations regarding hunting, camping, and fishing
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualification

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in journalism, English, or public speaking

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of elementary knowledge of the principles of conservation and/or historical education.
• Two (2) years of courses in parks & recreation, wildlife resources, related biological or environmental sciences, fisheries, forestry, biology, or ecology.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency.
• One (1) year of experience in public speaking.
• One (1) year of experience using cameras, projectors, recorders, and outdoor equipment.
• One (1) year of experience presenting ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• One (1) year of experience preparing reports and keeping records on conservation education activities.

Employment Conditions

Applicants must possess the ability to meet ALL of the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position:

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Valid driver's license.
• Requires ability to travel in performance of duties.
• Requires ability to withstand exposure to the elements on a year-round basis.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, and transport loads exceeding thirty pounds.
• Requires ability to walk over rough and broken terrain.

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 Statements

DNR 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.

Office of Land Management

The Office of Land Management (OLM) oversees nearly 400 individual parcels of land and institutes a wide variety of programs and activities advocating outdoor recreation through sustainable use, conservation, and preservation. The Historic Sites Division of the Office of Land Management oversees 56 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials. OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.

Work Hours: Schedule #1: Friday-Tuesday, 8:30am-4:30pm w/ 1/2 hour lunch; Schedule #2: Thursday-Monday, 8:30am-4:30pm w/ 1/2 hour lunch; Schedule #3: Saturday-Wednesday, 8:30am-4:30pm w/ 1/2 hour lunch

Work Location: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 North Rt 178, Utica, IL 61373

Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler

Email: Vicky.Fowler@illinois.gov

Phone #: 217-785-5387

Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources

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:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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