CONSERVATION EDUCATION REPRESENTATIVE

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 Beall Woods 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 Requirement

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 education.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency.
• 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.
• One (1) year of experience in public speaking.

Conditions of Employment

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:

• Ability to pass background check.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel.
• 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.