Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently accepting applications for instructors for its 2024 summer fishing clinics, part of the Urban Fishing Program. These clinics are hosted in various communities across Illinois and offer temporary positions lasting up to six months. The roles are ideal for teachers, retirees, students, and others interested in teaching fishing skills and ecology.

Positions are available in Boone, Champaign, Jackson, Jefferson, Macon, Madison, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, and St. Clair counties. There are also numerous openings in Chicago, Cook County, and northeastern Illinois.

The deadline to apply is approaching soon. Interested individuals can find more information about the positions and application process by visiting https://bit.ly/IDNRjobs. The job title to look for is "conservation education representative."

Established in 1985, the Illinois Urban Fishing Program aims to teach people of all ages how to fish while enhancing local fishing opportunities and fostering a greater appreciation for natural resources.

"Fishing is a great way for families to spend time together outdoors," said Mike McClelland, chief of fisheries for IDNR. "Our clinics give thousands of young people an opportunity to experience the fun of fishing every summer." He added: "Is there a better way to spend the summer than teaching children and adults about the joys of fishing and the importance of conservation?"