SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking applicants for seasonal conservation workers at state parks and historic sites around the state.

Conservation workers are the department's boots on the ground at state sites during the busy summer seasons. These are temporary positions not to exceed six months.

Conservation workers perform routine maintenance and custodial duties, such as mowing, landscaping, painting, cleaning, loading and unloading vehicles, cutting firewood and more. Other responsibilities include assisting in preparing locations for hunting and fishing, preparing sites for programs, assisting in the care of cover crops and food plots, maintaining tools and equipment, and performing basic vehicle maintenance. Conservation workers make periodic rounds at sites to check for safety, clear and maintain trails and pathways, install signage, and more. They also assist site visitors and direct traffic when needed, as well as participate in interpretive and educational activities at historic sites.

"These are excellent summer jobs for people who enjoy being outdoors and are excited to help visitors enjoy Illinois' beautiful state parks and historic sites," said Paula Martel, director of IDNR's Office of Land Management. "Seasonal workers gain valuable professional experience and a unique understanding of what it takes to operate these sites."

IDNR currently has openings at the following locations:

Carroll County

Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna

Cass County

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Chandlerville

Clark County

Lincoln Trail State Park, Marshall

Clinton County

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Carlyle

Coles County

Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston

Douglas County

Walnut Point State Park, Oakland

Fayette County

Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, Ramsey

Franklin County

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, Whittington

Hardin County

Cave-in-Rock State Park, Cave-in-Rock

Henry County

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, Kewanee

Jo Daviess County

Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple River

Kankakee County

Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais

Ogle County

Castle Rock State Park, Oregon

LaSalle County

Illini State Park, Marseilles

Starved Rock State Park, Utica

Lee County

Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Franklin Grove

Logan County

James C. Helfrich Game Propagation Center, Lincoln

Marion County

Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area, Kinmundy

Massac County

Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Belknap

McDonough County

Argyle Lake State Park, Colchester

Menard County

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg

Randolph County

Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher

Fort Kaskaskia, Ellis Grove

World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta

Saline County

Sahara Woods State Recreation Area, Carrier Mills

Sangamon County

Sangchris Lake State Park, Rochester

Shelby County

Eagle Creek State Park, Findlay

Hidden Springs State Forest, Strasburg

Stark County

Rock Island Trail State Park, Wyoming

Winnebago County

Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park