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Conservation Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Openlands

Vice President of External Affairs

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure fundraising and communications reflect accurate, compelling impact data. Collaborate with Finance ...

Cedaorg

WX - Director of Field Operations

South Holland, IL · On-site

$110.20 - $129.70/hr

Lead field operations for Energy Conservation and Weatherization programs, including single-family, multifamily, HVAC, and utility-funded initiatives Drive production performance and ensure teams ...

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All JobsConservation JobsConservation Jobs in Romeoville, IL

Conservation information

See Romeoville, IL salary details

$32.6K

$37.7K

$42.8K

How much do conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation in Romeoville, IL is $37,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,200.00 and $38,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation job?

Conservation jobs are roles focused on protecting, managing, and restoring natural environments, wildlife, and resources. These professionals work in various settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, parks, research institutions, and private companies. Common positions include conservation scientists, wildlife biologists, park rangers, and environmental educators. The goal of conservation work is to ensure the long-term sustainability and health of ecosystems and biodiversity. Conservation jobs often involve fieldwork, research, policy development, and community outreach.

What is a conservation job?

Conservation jobs focus on managing and protecting natural land and wildlife. Your duties as a conservationist depend on your area of specialization. Naturalists or animal biologists, for example, may study endangered species and work to protect them from extinction. Other conservation professionals may manage land and monitor animal populations in nature reserves. You can also work in conservation lobbying or organize education programs for a conservation NGO. You can even work as a conservation officer, a career in which your responsibilities involve enforcing laws meant to protect natural lands and wildlife. This type of career could include park ranger positions or natural resources officer jobs.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in conservation roles, and how are they addressed within teams?

Conservation professionals often encounter challenges such as securing sustainable funding, balancing the needs of communities and ecosystems, and adapting to changing environmental regulations. These issues are typically addressed through close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, policymakers, and local stakeholders. Regular team meetings, clear communication, and adaptive project management are essential to navigating these complexities and achieving conservation goals effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservationist, you need a background in environmental science, ecology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, environmental monitoring tools, and sometimes certifications like Certified Conservation Professional (CCP) are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are crucial for engaging stakeholders and advancing conservation goals. These abilities ensure effective management of natural resources and successful implementation of conservation projects.

What is the difference between Conservation vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservationEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in environmental science, ecology, or related fieldOften requires an associate's or bachelor's degree in environmental science or related area
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural settings, conservation projects, parks, and wildlife areasField and laboratory work, environmental monitoring, site assessments
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, parks, wildlife agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Conservation focuses on protecting natural resources and ecosystems through active management and preservation efforts, often involving fieldwork in natural settings. Environmental Technicians support environmental monitoring and assessment tasks, working in both field and lab environments. While both roles require related environmental credentials and may work in similar settings, Conservation emphasizes ecosystem preservation, whereas Environmental Technicians focus on data collection and environmental testing.

What are careers in conservation?

Careers in conservation involve protecting and managing natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems. Common roles include conservation scientist, park ranger, environmental educator, and wildlife biologist, often requiring knowledge of ecology, fieldwork skills, and relevant certifications. These jobs typically involve outdoor work and collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions.

What jobs can you do in conservation?

Conservation offers a variety of jobs including conservation scientist, wildlife biologist, park ranger, environmental educator, and habitat restoration specialist. These roles often require knowledge of ecology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes certifications such as GIS or environmental management. They typically involve working outdoors or in research settings to protect natural resources and ecosystems.
More about Conservation jobs

What cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Conservation jobs?

Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Conservation job openings:

Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation job openings in Romeoville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,663 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Conservation Ecologist, Chicago, Keller Science Action Center

Field Museum

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position: Conservation Ecologist, Chicago Region, Keller Science Action Center

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Keller Science Action Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into action for conservation and quality of life. We are seeking a Conservation Ecologist to support work in the Chicago Wilderness region, where we collaborate with a wide network of partners to advance conservation on the ground in Chicago, Kankakee County, and Northwest Indiana, with the potential to extend into other areas.

The successful candidate brings strong knowledge of regional conservation context and natural and human communities, a passion for collaborative interdisciplinary research and fieldwork, and taxonomic expertise in at least one focal group, and a dedication to quick and tangible results. This experienced conservation ecologist will contribute to the strategy, methods and future direction of the Chicago Program, and will work with team members to develop and implement effective, collaborative approaches oriented to decision-making for conservation and people's well-being. This position is hired on a 3-year term with potential for renewal, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago and reports to the Sr. Director of the Keller Science Action Center.

The work involves regular local field work, and 10-20% of the year devoted to regional travel. Review of candidates will begin August 28 and continue until the position is filled.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide ecological and taxonomic expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
  • Lead initiatives within the Chicago program with an interdisciplinary team that includes ecologists, social scientists, and educators.
  • Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region including planning, fieldwork, and technical reporting to establish and sustain conservation that benefits local communities.
  • Manage key relationships with partners and help establish new partnerships that advance our conservation and well-being goals.
  • Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding to leverage results at larger landscape scales.
  • Support the monitoring, evaluation, and iterative improvement of the program.
  • Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, that support the creation or management of conservation landscapes.
  • Support the creation of conservation tools and training opportunities for conservation professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders.
  • Integrate ecological expertise into the development of long-term conservation strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand conservation programming and funding.

Experience and Qualifications (Required):

  • Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation
  • Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
  • Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team
  • Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences
  • Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Preferred Experience receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders

Applications must include the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • A minimum of three professional references

Equity Commitment

The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Keller Science Action Sr. Director

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

35 hours

Hybrid Eligibility:

Eligible

Union Representation:

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Pay Range:

$62,000-$70,000

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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