SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for instructors for 2026 summer fishing clinics at locations throughout Illinois for the department’s Urban Fishing Program.
Fishing instructors are the department’s boots on the ground at free clinics hosted in communities throughout Illinois. These are temporary positions not to exceed six months, making them perfect for teachers, retirees, students, and others who are eager to help people learn about fishing skills and ecology.
“There’s no better way to spend the summer than teaching children and adults about the joys of fishing and the importance of conservation,” said Mike McClelland, chief of fisheries for IDNR. “This is a great employment opportunity for people who enjoy the outdoors and sharing their love of fishing with others.:
Available spots are based in Boone, Champaign, Cook, Jersey, Madison, Macon, McHenry, McLean, Rock Island, Sangamon, and St. Clair counties. The deadline to apply is approaching quickly. To learn more about the positions, qualifications, and how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/IDNRjobs. Look for positions titled “fishing clinic instructor.”
The Illinois Urban Fishing Program was established in 1985 to teach people of all ages to fish, to provide better local fishing opportunities, and to offer participants an understanding of and a greater appreciation for natural resources.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.