Jobs Title:
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Director

Post Date
3/15/2026

Expiration Date
3/20/2026

Details:
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, 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 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.

Qualifications:
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

Comments:
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.

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

Employer:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Vicky Fowler

Address:
IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Work Phone:
217-785-5387

Email:
vicky.fowler@illinois.gov

Website:
https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-Conservation-Director-IL-62702/1370930100/?fbclid=Iwb21leAQkGORjbGNrBCQXqmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqqFcA--BJ0uO8QcKRcdRA15dP-BLE