Recreational Field Assistant

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County•Warrenville, IL

12h•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreational Field Assistant position to support ranger staff in the day-to-day maintenance of preserves by maintaining clean and welcoming experience for visitors. This flexible, entry-level role is perfect for individuals who want to learn the ins and outs of park operations, recreation programming, and natural resource management, all while working outdoors and engaging with the public. What You'll Do Engage with the public and provide district information, distribute and update public information, handle day-to-day concerns, ensure adherence to district policy, and provide ordinance interpretation. Assist Rangers with implementing preserve maintenance to ensure the well-being of preserve visitors. Assist with providing outdoor recreational programs and events. Perform maintenance inspections at areas of public access, recreational facilities, entrances to preserves, off-leash dog areas, trails, waterways, buildings, and more. Perform cleaning and maintenance work of preserves and special use areas possibly utilizing log splitters, drills, deck mowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment. Perform natural resource management including brush and non-native species removal, injured wildlife rescue, beaver dam removal, and assist with prescribed burns. Assist with special events including set up, parking, issuing directions, take down, etc. Perform campground operations by working alongside staff, assisting with programs, and providing feedback for financial reporting. Foster a work environment that promotes safe work habits, become familiar with safety rules and procedures, keep work areas clean, and report on any unsafe conditions and incidents. Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to succeed the expectations of internal and external customers. Perform other duties as required. What You'll Need Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire. High School Diploma/GED is required. 1 - 3 years of related experience in parks management or ranger operations or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Valid Driver's License in good standing. Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification within 6 months of hire. Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification or obtain upon hire. Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Training required within 2 years. Familiar with native and invasive flora identification. Ability to interpret and communicate district information and policies to the general public. Familiarity with native wildlife and history. Capable of assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands efficiently. Awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions, including the ability to communicate discrict ordinances. Familiarity in operating vehicles or mechanized equipment such as passenger vehicles and watercraft. Experienced with the operation of hand tools and power tools. Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through public speaking. Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships. Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data. Schedule, Pay & Benefits Various days during the week and weekend, averaging 20 hours per week up to 1000 hours per year. Weekly hours can fluctuate based on the season and the district's needs. Starting Pay: $19.58 - 21.40 per hour. Work Setting Based out of the Ranger Operations Facility in West Chicago, IL. Includes field-based work across various forest preserve sites throughout DuPage County. Apply Today Follow the link to apply directly and be considered for the position. Additional information about the position and job duties can be found in the attached job description or on our website. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
High School Diploma/GED is required.
1 - 3 years of related experience in parks management or ranger operations or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid Driver's License in good standing.
Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification within 6 months of hire.
Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification or obtain upon hire.
Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Training required within 2 years.
Familiar with native and invasive flora identification.
Ability to interpret and communicate district information and policies to the general public.
Familiarity with native wildlife and history.
Capable of assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands efficiently.
Awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions, including the ability to communicate discrict ordinances.
Familiarity in operating vehicles or mechanized equipment such as passenger vehicles and watercraft.
Experienced with the operation of hand tools and power tools.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through public speaking.
Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Responsibilities

Engage with the public and provide district information, distribute and update public information, handle day-to-day concerns, ensure adherence to district policy, and provide ordinance interpretation.
Assist Rangers with implementing preserve maintenance to ensure the well-being of preserve visitors.
Assist with providing outdoor recreational programs and events.
Perform maintenance inspections at areas of public access, recreational facilities, entrances to preserves, off-leash dog areas, trails, waterways, buildings, and more.
Perform cleaning and maintenance work of preserves and special use areas possibly utilizing log splitters, drills, deck mowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment.
Perform natural resource management including brush and non-native species removal, injured wildlife rescue, beaver dam removal, and assist with prescribed burns.
Assist with special events including set up, parking, issuing directions, take down, etc.
Perform campground operations by working alongside staff, assisting with programs, and providing feedback for financial reporting.
Foster a work environment that promotes safe work habits, become familiar with safety rules and procedures, keep work areas clean, and report on any unsafe conditions and incidents.
Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to succeed the expectations of internal and external customers.
Perform other duties as required.