Program Assistant, Beaubien Youth Outdoor Ambassadors 

Reports to Engagement Program Manager 

Open until filled 

Salary: $23.50 per hour 

Up to 30 hours per week from May 28  - August 3, 2024 

Tuesday through Friday (plus some Saturdays)  for 10 weeks

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: The Program Assistant will assist in planning, implementing, and promoting the Beaubien Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program (BYOA). BYOA  is a five-week summer job program for teens in the Altgeld Gardens community, run in collaboration with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Openlands.  Participants are trained in and conduct public/environmental education,  habitat restoration, and community engagement activities while gaining exposure to the forest preserves and jobs in conservation. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Program Manager with the development, oversight, and management of the BYOA program
• Lead a variety of hands-on environmental enrichment activities outdoors
• Manage daily needs of running the program, including entering data, coordinating transportation, managing supplies and equipment, various administrative tasks, and more.
• Evaluate and document crew attendance, work activities, and performance through compiling weekly work log data, taking and uploading crew photos, and conducting youth assessments

Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license for more than three years and clean driving record
• Working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, and digital calendar software 
• Experience teaching in a classroom and/or field setting
• Ability to meet at Beaubien Woods Forest Preserves 
• Dedication to creating an inclusive, safe, productive, and enjoyable work environment
• Ability to work outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures
• Flexibility in work hours - weekend hours may vary

Beneficial Skills/Qualifications: 

• Experience working with and mentoring youth within Chicago’s urban communities
• Experience working outdoors and in natural areas