Forest Preserves of Cook County Forestry Internship, Chicago, IL

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Agency

Friends of the Forest Preserves

Location

Glenview, Western Springs, Willow Springs, Oak Forest, or Elk Grove Village, IL

Job Category

Internships

Salary

$15.25/hr

Start Date

05/31/2022

Last Date to Apply

02/18/2022

Website

https://fotfp.org/who-we-are/jobs/

Description

Description: Gain practical, on the-ground- experience working with Forest Preserve Resource Management Crews and other natural resource professionals. Interns learn what it’s like to manage the Forest Preserves of Cook County in a highly urbanized setting. Extensive training and certifications such as State of Illinois Herbicide License and chainsaw safety are offered. Work primarily involves using chainsaws and other equipment such as chippers to manage hazardous trees along trails, in picnic groves and in other areas where they pose a safety risk to the public. There is some limited work conducting ecological restoration activities. Expect to be on your feet all day working hard outdoors and getting dirty. This is an ideal hands-on experience for Forestry Majors or recent graduates. Opportunities for interns to meet experts in their chosen field and grow professional networks are provided. Personal vehicle required to access field offices (not near public transportation). This position will involve mostly outdoor work with limited time spent inside; all staff and interns are required to follow COVID safety protocols given by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Forest Preserves, and all relevant government agencies. Please contact Alex Horvath at [email protected] if you would like the full list of safety protocols. Duties: • Work outside all day conducting physically strenuous hands-on projects in all weather conditions • Assist in the removal of potentially hazardous trees and conduct other woody vegetation maintenance • Conduct invasive species removal by hand, using herbicide, or using power equipment (brush cutters, chainsaws) • Assist crew members with heavy equipment operation such as front-end loaders and woodchippers • Assist with trail maintenance • Assist crews on ecosystem restoration projects utilizing a variety of techniques and tools Program timeframe: May 31st – August 5th (37.5 hrs/week) How to apply: Send cover letter and resume to Alex Horvath at [email protected]; please make sure to include your cover letter and resume in a single document labeled with your last name and the words “RM internship”. Example: Smith_RM_internship

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age; must possess a current valid driver’s license • Must be working towards or possess a bachelor’s degree in a field associated with Forestry, Ecology, or similar • Those not in college or without a degree are encouraged to apply if they have at least 6 months of experience working with a landscape company or similar, utilizing hand and power tools, or other outdoor manual work • Must have ability to work in a team setting • Capability to work outdoors 5-days a week in a variety of weather conditions, performing physically strenuous tasks and work, including but not limited to: climbing, lifting, pulling, and moving objects that weigh up to 50 lbs. • Ability to follow instructions and carry out related duties as assigned • Ability to identify trees that are native and invasive to Cook County is a plus • Must be interested in the Forestry field or Natural Resource Management; any experience in the field a plus • All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Contact Person

Alex Horvath

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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