North Branch Conservation Corps Crew Member

Friends of the Forest Preserves is hiring a North Branch Conservation Corps Crew Member in Chicago, IL. The role involves outdoor work in a team, focusing on removing invasive species and restoring habitats. The position offers a pay rate starting at $18.00 per hour, increasing over two years, with a full-time schedule of 36 hours per week. Candidates must be 18+, interested in conservation, and able to meet at a designated location.
North Branch Conservation Corps Crew Member


Reports to: North Branch Crew Manager


Start date: ASAP


Locations: Ability to meet at designated meetup location in 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646


Pay rate: $18.00 per hour, increasing incrementally to $20.00 per hour over a 2-year period


Schedule: 36 hours per week on average (full time)



Typically 9 hours/day
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.

Organization


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


Our community advocates for the responsible management of the nearly 70,000 acres of forest preserves in Cook County through advocacy, engagement, and stewardship of the land. Some of the best natural areas in Illinois are right here in Cook County, right outside your urban backdoor. Join our team and help us ensure they are here for the next 100 years.


Friends is an organization that gets things done with our members, volunteers, staff, board, and partners. We believe in work-life balance and are here for the marathon, not the sprint (not that we don’t sprint on a regular basis).


Operating Budget: $3,750,000


Summary


Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a crew member to join our North Branch Conservation Corps Crew, based out of Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. 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.


Responsibilities



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

Required qualifications



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, Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center, 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Beneficial qualifications



Experience working outdoors as part of a team
Volunteer experience

Benefits



50% cost share of health and dental insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance, and $100,000 of life insurance
403b retirement account with 3% match starting at 1 year of employment
2 weeks of vacation
2 weeks of sick time
11 paid holidays plus 2 additional paid days of winter break