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Scientists In Parks Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Scientists In Parks information

See Illinois salary details

$33.4K

$75.9K

$117.6K

How much do scientists in parks jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientists in parks in Illinois is $75,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $87,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Scientists in Parks?

Scientists in Parks (SIP) is a program that places early career professionals, students, and recent graduates in temporary positions within the National Park Service. Participants work on natural resource management, research, and science-based projects in national parks across the United States. The program provides hands-on experience and training in fields such as ecology, geology, environmental science, and cultural resource management. SIP positions are designed to support park needs while offering valuable career development opportunities for aspiring scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientists in Parks participant?

To thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, you typically need a background in natural sciences or environmental studies, with relevant coursework or a degree in biology, ecology, geology, or a similar field. Familiarity with field research tools, GIS mapping software, data collection methods, and sometimes certifications like Wilderness First Aid are important. Strong observational skills, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in diverse outdoor settings and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate scientific contributions, safety, and meaningful engagement with park resource management and public outreach.

How do Scientists in Parks typically collaborate with National Park Service staff and other stakeholders during their projects?

Scientists in Parks usually work closely with National Park Service (NPS) staff, including park rangers, resource managers, and interpretive teams, to ensure their research aligns with park management goals. They may also coordinate with external partners such as universities, community organizations, and volunteers. Regular meetings, fieldwork, and presentations are common ways these collaborations happen, fostering a team-oriented environment and promoting knowledge sharing. This collaborative structure not only enhances research outcomes but also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

What is the difference between Scientists In Parks vs Environmental Scientists?

AspectScientists In ParksEnvironmental Scientists
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in ecology, biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, outdoor settings, fieldworkResearch labs, government agencies, fieldwork in various environments
Employer & IndustryPark services, conservation agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Scientists In Parks and Environmental Scientists both focus on studying ecosystems and conservation. However, Scientists In Parks typically work directly within park environments, emphasizing fieldwork and conservation efforts in outdoor settings. Environmental Scientists often work in labs or offices, conducting research that supports environmental policies and solutions across various industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital for environmental protection, but their work settings and specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Scientists In Parks jobs in Illinois? For Scientists In Parks jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scientists In Parks jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Scientists In Parks jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Scientists In Parks jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Scientists In Parks job openings:
Scientists In Parks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientists In Parks job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,878 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Police Officer

US Department of the Army

Rock Island, IL

$41K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 490 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) handles the day-to-day operations of Army installations.Qualifications:****This is an open continuous announcement. We accept applications on an ongoing basis. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization.****
Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service or have a break in service may be authorized.
Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
For GS-5:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Experience applying a body of basic laws and regulations; 2) Assisting with law enforcement operations practices and/or techniques; and 3) Maintaining order and protecting life and property. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04). (Note: Successful completion of a Federal, State, county, or municipal police academy or comparable training course which included at least 40 classroom hours of instruction in police department procedures and methods, and local law and regulations, may be substituted for three months of specialized experience.)
OR
Education: Four years of education above the high school level in an accredited school leading to a bachelor's degree in Police Science or a comparable degree program related to the work of the position, such as Criminal Justice.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages.
For GS-6:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Maintaining order and protecting life; 2) Responding to citizens in emergency/non-emergency situations; and 3) Protecting property against such hazards as fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass.This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
For GS-7:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Performing law enforcement investigation in accordance with established policies and procedures; 2) Collecting/preserving evidence for an investigation; and 3) Preparing statements concerning incidents such as accidents or law violations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

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Arlington, VA, US

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