Interpretive Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Natural Resources Coordinator at Volo Bog State Natural Area for the Office of Land Management. This position will promote outdoor recreational, educational and ecological programs via social media, email, press releases and ad printed materials; participate in the development of an interpretive master plan for the park which includes input on budget, collect data that supports natural and cultural resource projects, work with local educators to coordinate interpretive programming efforts; and staffs Visitor Center serving as site respresentative during public events and outreach programs providing assistance to visitors and guidance to volunteers. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

• Under general supervision of the Site Superintendent, plans, develops, and delivers outdoor recreational, educational, and resource oriented ecological programs for diverse audiences at Volo Bog State Natural Area and any satellites.
• Serves as a liaison to Friends Groups and public interests.
• Coordinates and supervises volunteer efforts.
• Provides input for the development of the program budget.
• Staffs Visitor Center and disseminates information to the public.
• Participates in the research, design, and development of displays, exhibits, audio/visual presentations, and outreach for statewide activities and such events that may include the State Fair, County Fairs, or IDNR sites.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• Requires a bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation or a related biological, life or natural science.
• Requires one year of directly related professional experience, or completion of an agency sponsored training program.

• Elementary knowledge of division objectives, policies, programs, and services and state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to outdoor recreation, fish, wildlife, forestry, or natural heritage resource conservation.
• Elementary knowledge of public relations, principles, and techniques, audio/visual and other interpretive methods, theories, and practices.
• Elementary knowledge of budgetary planning.
• One (1) year of experience in preparing and maintaining records and written narrative reports.
• One (1) year of experience in collecting information and assisting in analyzing and evaluating technical data and reports.
• One (1) year of experience providing task-related direction and assistance to seasonal or intermittent employees, volunteers, landowners, sports enthusiasts, or the general public.
• One (1) year of experience delivering planned and impromptu informational presentations.
• One (1) year of experience developing the core site interpretive program, addressing site interpretive needs and translating those needs into meaningful outlets.

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

• Requires the completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• Requires ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, and transport loads that may exceed 60 pounds.
• Requires ability to traverse rough and broken terrain on foot without mechanical assistance.
• Requires ability to operate and maintain tools, equipment, and materials utilized in the maintenance, repair, and care of site resources, artifacts, buildings, and grounds.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois' natural resources, the 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 other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

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 57 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials. OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.