Waterworlds, ENVS/ANTH 320
Do you thrive in a collaborative environment? Are you passionate about the great outdoors and eager to share your love for nature through educational programs, guided hikes, and engaging activities? If you hold a degree in park and recreation, education, ecology, or a similar field, we invite you to apply for our seasonal Conservation Education Representative positions by April 3! This is a unique opportunity to work at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks for a six-month period, from May to November. Be sure to review the position description and applicant requirements thoroughly.
Job Requisition ID: 53883
Closing Date: 04/03/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: CONSERVATION EDUCATION REP (09300)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,586 monthly; Full Salary Range $4,586-$6,228 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: LaSalle
Number of Vacancies: 3
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: N/A
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 12-32-53883
For any questions regarding the position or application process, please reach out to Lisa Sons, Natural Resources Coordinator at Starved Rock State Park, available Wednesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM at lisa.sons@illinois.gov.
Independent Contractor: Nature Passport
Project Coordinator
Organization: Kish Kids Outside
Compensation: $1,000+ stipend (paid in installments tied to deliverables)
Location: Fully Remote
Reports To: Kish Kids Outside Board of Directors
Inquires and Applicants: Contact kishkidsoutside@gmail.com
Position Overview
Kish Kids Outside is seeking a self-motivated, creative, and organized independent contractor to help develop the first phase of our Nature Passport Program — an interactive, app-based experience designed to encourage families to explore parks and outdoor spaces throughout DeKalb County.
An independent contractor is self-employed and not employed by Kish Kids Outside and will not receive employee benefits. They have control over how the work is completed, using their own devices, setting their own hours, and paying their own taxes.
This position will build the program from concept to launch, working with community partners to design engaging, play-based activities at local parks and preserves. The majority of development work will take place between now and May 2026, with opportunities to stay on in a reduced operational and marketing role after launch. This is an ideal opportunity for a student, recent graduate, educator, or community member who loves local parks and wants to help families get outside more.
Here are examples of the type of programs we are wanting to model for DeKalb County.
McHenry County Forest Preserve Find Your Wild
Winnebago Forest Preserve Preserve Passport
Will County Forest Preserve Trailblazer
Key Responsibilities
Program Development
● Work with Kish Kids Outside partner organizations to develop engaging activities at multiple
sites (such as the park districts and forest preserves)
● Create short, scavenger-hunt style missions and seasonal nature prompts using the KKO Bill of
Rights for guidance
● Develop play-based learning activities that encourage exploration and connection
● Draft clear instructions and user guidance so the program runs smoothly and as independently
as possible
● Gather site information and ensure clarity to reduce confusion for users
● Pilot test activities and gather feedback
● Prepare and upload content into the Goosechase app platform working with the Goosechase
support team
Program Planning & Logistics
● Map out how the full program will operate
● Develop structure, flow, and completion process
● Ensure all materials are organized and ready for launch
Compensation
● Stipend of at least $1,000
● Paid in installments tied to defined deliverables (example: 25% at kickoff, 25% at midpoint, 25%
at content completion, 25% at launch readiness)
Qualifications
Required:
● Strong organizational and communication skills
● Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
● Passion for outdoor exploration and community engagement
Preferred (but not required):
● Background in environmental education or youth engagement
● Experience working with children or families
● Interest in curriculum design or play-based learning
● Marketing or nonprofit partnership experience
Ideal Candidate
Someone who:
● Loves local parks and outdoor spaces
● Is excited to explore them more deeply
● Wants to help make nature more accessible for families
● Enjoys creative thinking and building something from the ground up
Ecological Restoration Technician Internship - https://encapinc.net/careers/
The Natural Areas Crew is hiring seasonal workers for the 2026 season!
The Natural Areas Crew is dedicated to ecological restoration and the promotion of outdoor safety, education, stewardship, and equitable access to natural spaces within our community. We implement conservation and restoration methods to enhance the quality of natural areas and engage in trail maintenance, fence repairs, and general park upkeep to ensure the safety and accessibility of outdoor spaces.
We Identify and learn about both native and non-native flora relevant to the region, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems. We also collaborate with community groups and volunteer organizations to connect people to nature, promote environmental education, and mentor individuals in outdoor stewardship practices. Pay is $24.35/hr. The application closes on February 2nd.
If you or anyone in your networks are interested in working with us in 2026, please share!
Summer Job Opportunity
Natural Habitat Restructuring and Upkeep
and Vegetable Gardening
Dates of service: May through mid-August
Location: DeKalb
Type of area: Neighborhood corner lot
Student’s focus of study: Environmental Science
Education Level: Graduate or upper class
undergraduate student
Skill sets: Light-weight lifting; experience with manual and power garden tools ; native plant
recognition; experience in planting and maintaining outdoor plants
Expected hours per week: ~10, varying with the growing season, weather, etc.
Additional time may be required.
Pay: $16/hr.
Job type: private pay; agreement between property owner and individual; not associated
with NIU credit, internship, etc.
Duties:
• Buckthorn and other invasives removal
• Preparing, planning, and planting a renovated natural habitat area
• Maintaining the natural habitat by weeding and pruning, as necessary
• Helping design and construct a new raised bed area
• Helping to maintain raised vegetable beds
• Additional work may include helping with the 1200 sq. ft. of garden at Dresser Rd.
Current landscape: a mix of natural habitat, a "lawn" of scrub grass and Creeping Charlie, a
natural black raspberry patch, an asparagus patch, several raised vegetable beds on one
side of the property and plans for another mini-garden on another side; three apple trees,
two pear trees, one peach tree, and one plum tree. A mix of over a dozen varieties of mature
deciduous and evergreen trees are also dispersed across the property, resulting in an
uneven mix of shade, partial shade, and nearly full sun.
Apply with Clare Kron at ckron1@niu.edu
The Natural Areas Crew is responsible for ecological restoration and management of the Chicago Park Districts prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Duties include:
Pay for the 2025 season is $23.41/hr. The positions are open until January 23rd.
Job Title: CONSERVATION EDUCATION REPRESENT
Agency: Department
of Natural Resources Closing
Date/Time: 04/04/2024
|
Agency: Department
of Natural Resources Closing
Date/Time: 04/04/2024
|
Salary: $4,110 per Month Job
Type: Salaried County: LaSalle
Number of
Vacancies: 3 Plan/BU: RC062
NOTE: THIS POSITION IS A TEMPORARY SEASONAL
POSITION THAT WILL NOT EXCEED SIX MONTHS.
Afl 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 12-32-35972
Essential Functions
1. Under general direction, presents programs, activities
and events to the general public,
school groups, and special interest groups at Starved
Rock State Park:
•
Prepares and delivers educational information designed to instill appreciation and understanding of
conservation ethics
•
Gathers information to distribute to park visitors about environmental awareness
2. Develop a familiarity with department rules, regulations, and park history:
•
Develops
working knowledge of park history, park geologic
features and trail system by training
pamphlets and exploring the state ground
•
Answers
questions to the public regarding historical, ecological, and recreational aspects of the
park and surrounding area
3. Assists in the development and implementation of the natural or outdoor
recreational site's
interpretive program
plan:
•
Inspects trail conditions by walking park grounds
•
Plans evening and daytime visitor
activities, which include
foot, aquatic, and automotive tours
•
Prepares press releases for use by the local
or area news media
•
Organizes and schedules
interpretive programming efforts
with area educators
to maximize
benefits for visiting school
groups
•
Plants trees and/or prairie grass with school groups
•
Plans and constructs temporary exhibits and displays for the site's
interpretive center and makes
alterations and improvements to the center
•
Maintains and updates social
media outlets
•
Travels throughout the region
4. Assists in the training
of volunteers for ongoing needs or special
events:
•
Organizes and schedules
volunteers for events throughout
the park
•
Provides guidance and instruction to volunteers on proposed projects
•
Monitors projects to ensure volunteers have required equipment
5.
Interprets departmental rules and regulations regarding hunting, camping, and fishing
6. Performs other duties as required or assigned
which are reasonably within
the scope of the duties
enumerated above
Requires knowledge,
skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in journalism,
English or public speaking
1. One (1) year of elementary knowledge of the principles of conservation education
|
One (1) year of elementary knowledge of the principles of conservation education
2. Two (2) years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency
3.
One (1) year of experience using cameras, projectors, recorders, and outdoor
equipment.
4.
One (1) year of experience presenting ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
5. One
(1) year of experience preparing
reports and keeping records on conservation education activities
6.
One (1) year of experience in public speaking
All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without
reasonable
accommodation, to be considered for this position.
1. Ability to pass background
check
2. Valid driver's license
3. Ability to travel
Work Hours:
Variable
Work Location: Starved Rock, PO Box 509, Routes 178 & 71, Utica, Illinois, 61373
Agency Contact: vicky Fowler,
217/785-5387, Vicky.Fowler@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources
This position
[DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that
term is used in CBAs).
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: