Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Member

Reports to: Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Manager

Start date: Open until filled

Locations: Ability to meet at designated meetup location in Calumet region.Pay rate: $18.00 per hour, increasing incrementally to $20.00 per hour over a 2-year period

Schedule: 6:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Thursday. Schedule changes regularly, based on season, weather, and other requirements. Friday and Saturday work is sometimes required.

Mission: We unite people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County.

Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a crew member to join our Calumet Conservation Corps Crews, based out of the Calumet region. Conservation Corps members work year-round to remove invasive species and restore native habitats throughout the forest preserves in Cook County. We are seeking a crew member to be part of a program that provides valuable skills and certifications that could lead to a long-term career in natural land management or other environmental jobs.

• →Work outdoors on a team of 5 people, removing invasive species using hand and power tools
• →Conduct hands-on activities, such as seed collecting and prescription burning, to restore ecological health to forest preserves
• →Conduct tool maintenance as required
• →Participate in required training sessions 

• Must be 18 years or older
• Strong interest in learning about conservation and working outdoors
• Must be punctual and responsible, with the ability to work with others as a team
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) and work outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures
• Ability to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator License and First Aid/CPR certification ability to secure one within 45 days of hire (training provided)
• Ability to obtain Forest Preserves of Cook County Feller I Chainsaw Certification, Friends Chainsaw Certification, and Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Training Certification (training provided)
• Some flexibility in work hours, including weekend work, is required
• Ability to meet at designated meetup location in Calumet region.

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