How to Apply

When new positions are posted as open, eligible graduate students interested in applying for a Natural Heritage Graduate Student Residency position must submit an Application Packet.

An Application Packet must contain:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Grade transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions attended -or- copies of diplomas
• Any professional licenses (e.g., pesticide applicator)
• Must apply online https://illinois.jobs2web.com/
• Letter from your major advisor supporting your application to the Program

Your cover letter should include, clearly stated, the Resident position(s) / location(s) for which you are applying.

Grade transcripts can be official or un-official but must be generated through University processes (request forms, online, etc.).  A self-generated list of courses is not acceptable. 

The State of Illinois CMS-100 Employment Application allows an applicant to apply for up to two Resident positions based on county locations.  In Section 7, type in your most preferred county location in the first box and any secondary county location you would prefer in the second box.

Be sure to provide all information requested in the CMS-100 form paying special attention to:

• All colleges and universities attended, including dates; add extra sheets if necessary
• A complete work history, including non-science jobs held, dates, and salaries.

Applicants must follow the application procedure on the Work For Illinois Website 

Candidates will be further screened and selected for an invitation to interview by staff from the Division of Natural Heritage and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Those candidates selected for interviews will be called for interviews to be held at the IDNR headquarters building in Springfield, IL.

Based on the oral interview, candidates will be selected to fill the number of residencies available for that year.