Want to work for the state of Illinois? See 6 unique job openings and what they pay

From web developers to civil engineers, the state of Illinois is hiring for more than 500 government positions as of mid-July. Openings range from entry-level gigs to advanced appointments, even including opportunities to work remotely.

The Work for Illinois website houses job listings, deadlines, qualifications and applications for each position, all available online. Additional information about application requirements is available, too, at illinois.jobs2web.com.

If you’re still on the hunt for a job with steady pay and strong benefits, working for the government might be your best bet. Here’s a look at some of the most unique jobs open and advertised publicly through Illinois’ online portal.

Chaplain

Agency: Department of Corrections

Salary range: $4,939 to $7,380 per month

Job description: The Illinois Department of Corrections is hiring a chaplain, or a certified clergy member, to “engage and inspire the community served within IDOC facilities.” This role will operate out of Menard Correctional Center in Menard and ask qualified candidates to provide religious services for all faiths, conduct counseling sessions, fulfill speaking engagements, prepare and conduct formal religious services, sacramental rites and weekly worship services, among other tasks.

Job qualifications: Successful candidates must possess “knowledge, skill and mental development” equivalent to a four-year college experience, plus completion of at least three years of a recognized and accredited theological seminary with a master’s of divinity degree. Applicants must also be ordained, endorsed or licensed by a recognized communion and be “duly authorized” by an appropriate authority of denomination. Additional qualifications include at least one year of previous pastoral care experience, plus a year or more of accredited clinical pastoral education.

Storekeeper

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Salary range: $3,684 to $5,072 per month

Job description: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring for a position that will fill a number of functions in “a clearinghouse setting.” Key responsibilities for the job, based in Pawnee, include coordinating with agency staff to provide appropriate materials for events, serving as a liaison between the department and licensed vendors, maintaining a filing system and records for orders, coordinating printing schedules and organizing a computerized database that promotes agency programs.

Job qualifications: Successful candidates must have completed four years of high school education, plus at least a year of experience keeping stores and maintaining store records. Preferred qualifications include knowledge and experience in inventory-keeping, preparing stock records and reports and performing arduous labor.

Audiovisual librarian

Agency: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Salary range: $4,525 to $6,622

Job description: As an audiovisual librarian with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, you would oversee and provide access to the audiovisual collection. Key responsibilities include sorting through materials, removing duplicates, preparing collections, developing written and oral reports, advising on material for possible acquisition and explaining resources to staff and patrons.

Job qualifications: At minimum, applicants should have a master’s degree in library science, the job posting reads. Preferred specialized skills include two years of experience operating scanning equipment and using scanning software, two years of working knowledge regarding archives and audiovisual techniques and skills and two years of working knowledge of historical research procedures of American and Illinois history.

State mine inspector

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Salary range: $5,246 to $7,827 per month

Job description: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring an expert to help perform technical inspections and safety control duties through personal examination of mines, ultimately ensuring compliance with the Coal Mining Act, according to the job posting. Other responsibilities include serving as one of the department’s primary mine rescue coordinators, maintaining a rescue station, conducting mine certifications and rescue training courses and responding to emergency events that require rescues and recoveries.

Job qualifications: Successful candidates must be high school graduates who are at least 30 years old with at least 10 years of mining experience in an underground mine, including time spent working in Illinois. Additional requirements include Illinois residency, plus certifications as a state mine inspector and a mine manager.

Educator (Braille)

Agency: Department of Human Resources

Salary range: $3,593 to $6,692 per month

Job description: In this role, a qualified educator would help lead educational programs for students with visual impairments at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, located in Jacksonville. Key responsibilities include performing assessments for students, conducting ongoing evaluations, preparing reports, overseeing equipment and supplies and attending faculty meetings, committee sessions, in-service programs and professional development opportunities.

Job qualifications: Qualified candidates must have a valid educator license from the Illinois State Board of Education with an endorsement appropriate for teaching blind or visually impaired students from pre-kindergarten through age 22, the job listing reads. Employment also requires proficiency in Braille, the tactile writing system.

Ranger

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Salary range: $3,998 to $5,669 per month

Job description: Through this posting, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hopes to hire a new park ranger who would work under general supervision at the Trail of Tears State Forest, located in Union County in southern Illinois. Key responsibilities include directing and participating in site maintenance, serving as a lead worker alongside staff members, assisting in administering outdoor recreational programs, informing visitors of rules and regulations and maintaining records and routine reports.

Job qualifications: Though requirements are slim, applicants should have education and experience equivalent to an associate’s degree, particularly focusing on life sciences or parks and recreation. Completing high school or possessing a GED is a minimum educational requirement. At least one year of maintenance or interpretive experience is also required.