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Conservation Manager Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Newberry Library

Conservation Technician

Chicago, IL · Remote

$21 - $25/hr

Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Conservation Technician supports ongoing ... Ability to manage varied work responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities as necessary.

New

Openlands

Conservation Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Project Management and Implementation Lead and manage landscape-scale planning projects from ... conservation, or public policy Demonstrated project management experience, including tracking ...

Neiu

Prairie Conservation Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Prairie Conservation Steward (hereafter Steward) is responsible for collaboratively ... Makes management decisions based upon accepted ecological principles; collects and distributes ...

New

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Conservation Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Manager?

To thrive as a Conservation Manager, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and environmental regulations is often required, along with certifications like Certified Conservation Professional (CCP) being advantageous. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills are essential for coordinating teams, engaging stakeholders, and securing project funding. These skills and qualifications are critical for successfully implementing conservation initiatives and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.

What does a Conservation Manager do?

A Conservation Manager is responsible for protecting and managing natural habitats, wildlife, and resources. They develop and implement conservation plans, oversee restoration projects, and work with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure sustainable use of natural areas. Their role often involves monitoring wildlife populations, managing budgets, and educating the public about conservation efforts. Conservation Managers play a key role in preserving biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges.

What is the difference between Conservation Manager vs Environmental Specialist?

AspectConservation ManagerEnvironmental Specialist
CredentialsDegree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like Certified Conservation ProfessionalSimilar degrees; certifications such as Certified Environmental Professional
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project management, collaboration with agencies and communitiesResearch, analysis, reporting, often in office or lab settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, private sector

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Conservation Managers primarily oversee conservation projects and manage teams to protect natural resources. Environmental Specialists often conduct research, analyze data, and develop environmental policies. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and daily activities.

What are some common challenges Conservation Managers face when balancing environmental goals with stakeholder interests?

Conservation Managers often navigate complex situations where ecological objectives must be balanced with the needs of local communities, government agencies, and private landowners. Negotiating these interests requires strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, as well as the ability to develop practical, science-based management plans that consider economic and social factors. Building relationships and fostering collaboration among diverse groups is a key part of the role, and successfully managing these dynamics is crucial to achieving long-term conservation outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Conservation jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Manager jobs in Naperville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Manager jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Conservation Manager jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Conservation Manager job openings:
Conservation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Manager job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Conservation Technician

Newberry Library

Chicago, IL • Remote

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume/CV, both as PDF Documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by email.


ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Conservation Technician supports ongoing preservation of the Newberry’s collection by creating custom housing for a variety of materials, promoting safe storage and handling of the collection and conducting basic stabilization of general collection items, as assigned and supervised by the Director of Conservation.


This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Designs and constructs custom-made preservation housing for a range of 2D and 3D collections items by hand using a variety of materials, adhesives and tools; housing formats include but are not limited to traditional phase boxes, corrugated boxes, wrappers, portfolios and Mylar encapsulation, as well as original housing tailored to unique items;
  • Creates labels for housing that specify item content and handling information to aid librarians;
  • Maintains housing and preservation supplies and assists with ordering relevant materials;
  • Supports volunteer housing projects by collecting items for their workflow and guiding housing decisions in collaboration with conservators;
  • Rehouses new acquisitions that may include unframing or removing items from former housing;
  • Performs basic stabilization and repair of general collection items, as assigned by the Director of Conservation;
  • Contributes to written and photographic documentation as required for repair and stabilization;
  • Carries out specialized tasks and improves collection care, adapting best preservation practices to varied situations and staying abreast of current professional standards;
  • Participates in tracking collection material for rehousing as items enter and leave conservation;
  • Contributes to exhibition activities relating to preparation, such as cutting mats and hinging works into mats; and assisting with installation and deinstallation as needed;
  • Participates in updating the library’s preventative conservation practices and policies;
  • Contributes to training new library staff in the care and handling of collection materials;
  • Participates in environmental monitoring and integrated pest monitoring as needed;
  • Participates in disaster preparation, training, and, as needed, implementation and recovery;
  • Contributes to outreach activities, such as writing blog posts and participating in tours;
  • Contributes to general lab maintenance and housekeeping;
  • All other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.



QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Formal study or on-the-job training in book and/or paper arts and/or preservation.
  • Experience working in a library or museum setting, and handling library collection material and/or artworks.
  • Demonstrated ability and experience with designing and constructing a variety of protective enclosures.
  • Excellent hand skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to think critically and problem-solve.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and to adapt communication styles to different groups or situations.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work within established priorities and timelines to complete deadline-driven work.
  • Ability to follow directions and work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to manage varied work responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities as necessary.
  • Excellent computer and software skills and ability to use an online library catalog.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy is required. The incumbent must be able to lift and/or move up to 30lbs and be able to work comfortably and safely on ladders.


SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The incumbent will work exclusively onsite.

BENEFITS: For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

For more information, please see the Newberry Careers page (https://www.newberry.org/careers).