Top 38 Conservation Scientists Jobs in Chicago, IL

Conservation Planner
Openlands —Chicago, IL
- $65,000 - $70,000 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Google Workspace
- Mid-level
- Office
- Paid holidays
- Disability insurance
Quick Apply
Cultural Resource Specialist
Hanson Professional Services Inc. —Chicago, IL
- $60,000 - $80,000 a year
- Full-time
- Mid-level
- Office
- Master's degree
- Health insurance
- 401(k) matching
Quick Apply
Environmental Staff Assessor - Early Career
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. —Chicago, IL
- $55,000 - $60,000 a year
- Microsoft Outlook
- Office
- Driver's License
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
Quick Apply
Research Technician Fellowship
The Morton Arboretum —Lisle, IL
- $20 an hour
- Part-time
- No experience needed
- Office
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
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Consultant, Engineering/Geology/Science
ERM Group —Rolling Meadows, IL
- $74,250 - $103,128 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Mid-level
- Analysis skills
- Driver's License
- AD&D insurance
- Health insurance
Environmental Scientist
Kimley-Horn —Deerfield, IL
- $90,000 - $115,000 a year
- 5 years
- Office
- Master's degree
- Profit sharing
- Health insurance
Natural Resources Scientist - WI or IL
Terracon —Chicago, IL
- $84,900 - $131,700 a year
- Full-time
- 7 years
- Office
- Master's degree
- Paid holidays
- Health insurance
Environmental Scientist
Parsons —East Chicago, IN
- $22.93 - $40.14 an hour
- Holidays
- Clean driving record
- Bachelor's degree
- Communication skills
- Wellness program
- Paid holidays
2d
Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center
The Field Museum —Chicago, IL
- $62,000 - $70,000 a year
- Online Application
- Spanish
- Google Workspace
- English
- Paid holidays
- Disability insurance
Environmental Project Scientist
Trileaf Corporation —Schaumburg, IL
- $52,000 - $62,000 a year
- Full-time
- Background check
- Construction site
- Computer literacy
- Paid holidays
- Disability insurance
Quick Apply
Environmental Specialist
Republic Services —Melrose Park, IL
- $68,200 - $93,700 a year
- Full-time
- Mid-level
- Analysis skills
- Team management
- AD&D insurance
- Employee stock purchase plan
Environmental Specialist - Air Quality
U.S. Compliance —Chicago, IL
- $70,000 - $95,000 a year
- Full-time
- Microsoft Outlook
- Research
- Mid-level
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
Quick Apply
ACP Admin - Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation
Brookfield Zoo Chicago —Brookfield, IL
- $139,265.31 - $154,932.65 a year
- Weekends as needed
- Word processing
- English
- Master's degree
- AD&D insurance
- Paid holidays
Environmental Resources Specialist I - Water Resources
GEWALT HAMILTON ASSOCIATES INC —Schaumburg, IL
- $60,000 - $75,000 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Mid-level
- Profit sharing
- Health savings account
Junior Environmental Engineer or Scientist
Jacob & Hefner Associates (JHA) —Downers Grove, IL
- Bachelor of Science
- Mid-level
- Office
Laboratory Technician - Entry Level Welcome!
Motive Companies —Downers Grove, IL
- $46,000 a year
- Full-time
- Microsoft Excel
- Continuous improvement
- Warehouse experience
Quick Apply
Senior NEPA Environmental Lead
Jacobs —Chicago, IL
- $123,400 - $224,200 a year
- Hybrid work
- 11+ years
- Office
- Master's degree
- Paid holidays
- Health insurance
2d
DSM Evaluation Manager - EM&V
Resource Innovations —Chicago, IL
- $90,000 - $140,000 a year
- Full-time
- Remote
- Background check
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Commuter assistance
- Paid holidays
Quick Apply
Brownfield Project Manager
Stantec —Chicago, IL
- $107,100 - $160,700 a year
- Full-time
- Clean driving record
- Office
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Health insurance
Regional Environmental Assessment Lead
Hanson Professional Services Inc. —Chicago, IL
- $110,000 - $130,000 a year
- Full-time
- Master's degree
- Analysis skills
- Bachelor's degree
- Health insurance
- 401(k) matching
Quick Apply
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Conservation Planner

Openlands -
Chicago, IL

Quick Apply

Job Details

Full-time
$65,000 - $70,000 a year

Benefits

Paid holidays
Disability insurance
Health insurance
403(b)

Qualifications

Resource conservation
Data analysis reporting
Data reporting
Bachelor's degree
Land use studies
Water conservation
Project budget management
Managing projects
Land-use planning projects
Community relationship building
Budget tracking
Stakeholder management

Full Job Description

The Conservation Planner advances Openlands’ mission to protect and steward land, water, and natural resources across the Chicago region. This role supports landscape-scale conservation and planning initiatives in a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment—bridging policy, planning, and on-the-ground implementation.

The Conservation Planner brings a strategic, collaborative approach to land use and conservation planning, applying data, partnerships, and technical expertise to drive long-term regional impact. This position works across Openlands programs—including land preservation, restoration, forestry, and policy—and engages public agencies, private partners, and communities to deliver meaningful and equitable conservation outcomes.

This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position reporting to the Director of Conservation Planning.

This position is budgeted to start on September 1, 2026.

Essential Functions

Planning, Policy and Analysis

Conduct research and analysis to inform policy positions, advocacy strategies, and planning recommendations that advance regional conservation goals.

Develop policy briefs, public comments, and guidance supporting equitable land use, conservation, and climate resilience outcomes.

Support and help shape policy reform efforts at local, regional, and state levels, including conservation defense initiatives.

Provide technical assistance to public agencies and partners on land use, open space, and environmental planning practices.

Monitor emerging policy trends, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments to inform organizational strategy.

Project Management and Implementation

Lead and manage landscape-scale planning projects from concept through implementation, establishing clear goals, timelines, and accountability for outcomes.

Coordinate internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.

Track progress, evaluate results, and communicate project updates clearly and consistently to stakeholders.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, elected officials, community-based organizations, and private sector partners.

Participate in advisory groups, coalitions, and planning initiatives focused on greenways, comprehensive plans, site planning, and open space systems.

Facilitate inclusive engagement processes that reflect community priorities and diverse perspectives.

Communications and Representation

Develop and support outreach and communications strategies, including reports, presentations, and public-facing materials, to advance planning initiatives and build support.

Represent Openlands at meetings, conferences, and events, upholding the organization’s reputation for integrity, expertise, and leadership.

Organizational Contribution

Collaborate across internal teams (land preservation, restoration, forestry, and policy) to align efforts and maximize organizational impact.

Contribute to a culture of learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, environmental studies, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field

Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in planning, conservation, or public policy

Demonstrated project management experience, including tracking deliverables and budgets

Knowledge of land and water conservation, land use planning, and urban/environmental systems

Strong writing, facilitation, presentation, and project management skills

Ability to work across disciplines and navigate complex stakeholder environments

Ability to translate spatial data into clear, actionable insights for partners, policymakers, and the public

Preferred

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Experience working in the Chicago region or similar metropolitan areas

Familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis tools

AICP Certification or active pursuit of AICP

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace including google earth

Experience with collaboration and project tools (e.g., Mural, Trello)

Familiarity with design and communications tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)

Compensation:

Salary range: $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Work Environment:

Office is ADA accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. This role requires manual labor- standing, bending, crouching, lifting.

Ability to perform duties in a variety of outdoor conditions and weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Openlands is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Openlands does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Openlands is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

About Openlands

Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.

Quick Apply

Refine Your Search

Conservation Scientists jobs in Chicago, IL

Conservation Planner

Cultural Resource Specialist

Environmental Staff Assessor - Early Career

Research Technician Fellowship

Consultant, Engineering/Geology/Science

Environmental Scientist

Natural Resources Scientist - WI or IL

Environmental Scientist

Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Environmental Project Scientist

Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist - Air Quality

ACP Admin - Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation

Environmental Resources Specialist I - Water Resources

Junior Environmental Engineer or Scientist

Laboratory Technician - Entry Level Welcome!

Senior NEPA Environmental Lead

DSM Evaluation Manager - EM&V

Brownfield Project Manager

Regional Environmental Assessment Lead