North Branch Conservation Corps Crew Member

Friends of the Forest Preserves • Chicago, IL

5h • Onsite

About The Position

Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a crew member to join its North Branch Conservation Corps Crew, based at the Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center in Chicago, Illinois. Crew members work year-round throughout the Cook County forest preserves to remove invasive species and restore native habitats. The program provides valuable skills and certifications that may support a long-term career in natural land management or other environmental work.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong interest in learning about conservation and working outdoors.
• Punctuality, responsibility, and the ability to work with others as a team.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and work outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
• Ability to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator License and First Aid/CPR certification within 45 days of hire; training is provided.
• Ability to obtain Forest Preserves of Cook County Feller I Chainsaw Certification, Friends Chainsaw Certification, and Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Training Certification; training is provided.
• Some flexibility in work hours, including weekend work.
• Ability to meet at the designated location: Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outdoors as part of a team.
• Volunteer experience.

Responsibilities

• Work outdoors as part of a five-person team to remove invasive species using hand and power tools.
• Conduct hands-on restoration activities, including seed collecting and prescription burning, to restore ecological health to forest preserves.
• Perform tool maintenance as required.
• Participate in required training sessions.

Benefits

• 50% cost share of health and dental insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• $100,000 of life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement account with a 3% match starting after one year of employment.
• Two weeks of vacation.
• Two weeks of sick time.
• 11 paid holidays plus two additional paid days of winter break.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed