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 forest preserves in a highly urbanized setting. Work primarily involves using chainsaws and other equipment such as chippers to manage hazardous trees along trails, in picnic groves and other areas where they pose a safety risk to the public. There is some 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.

Work locations: Thorton, Willow Springs, and Oak Forest, IL. Personal vehicle required to access field offices (not near public transportation).

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 crews on ecosystem restoration projects and trail maintenance utilizing a variety of techniques and tools

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 experienceworking 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 strenuoustasks and work, including but not limited to: climbing, lifting, pulling, and moving objects that weigh up to 50lbs.
•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

Benefits:

•$18.50/hr (40hrs/week; 7 am – 3pm), June 1st – August 7th (10 weeks)
•Paid time off
•Excellent networking and environmental enrichment opportunities