As a Senior Ranger, you'll take on a role in maintaining forest preserve operations and facilities, as well as ensuring a positive visitor experience. This position blends hands-on outdoor work, visitor engagement, and public service. It is perfect for someone who enjoys variety, teamwork, and making a direct impact on their environment and community.

What You'll Do

• Maintain public use areas and facilities by mowing, repairing trails, cleaning picnic shelters, restocking restrooms, removing litter, and performing snow removal.
• Operate and maintain vehicles, power tools, and equipment, including trucks, chainsaws, deck mowers, trimmers, blowers, and power washers.
• Conduct natural resource management activities, such as invasive species removal, assisting with prescribed burns, and responding to injured wildlife.
• Perform inspections of trails, boundaries, parking lots, waterways, and recreational areas to ensure cleanliness and compliance with district standards.
• Support and lead recreational operations, including campgrounds, boating, tubing facilities, and more.
• Provide exceptional visitor service by interpreting ordinances, checking in permit groups, assisting at special events, and addressing public inquiries or concerns.
• Assist or lead public and recreational programs and help coordinate community events.
• Maintain accurate records and reports for assigned work and inspections.
• Promote and follow all district safety policies and participate in a culture of safe, respectful, and team oriented work.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Need

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• Associate's Degree (or 60 college credits equivalent) is required; 1 - 3 years of related experience in parks management or ranger operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or obtain within 6 months.
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification or obtain upon hire.
• May require USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification in good standing.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group S-130 and S-190 trainings required within 2 years.
• May require herbicide/pesticide operator license.
• Ability to utilize effective time management skills to complete assigned work.
• Capacity to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment and machinery including: chainsaws, lawnmowers, string trimmers, snow removal, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as well as in public speaking.
• Ability to utilize computer software programs; Microsoft Office suite or other word processing software.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Schedule, Pay, & Benefits

• Schedule varies across days of the week, including coverage of weekends and holidays.
• Senior Rangers start at a minimum of Step 3 ($23.33 per hour). Or, if a Ranger is hired into the role of Senior Ranger, they will be placed on the step two steps nearest to and greater than their current wage.
• We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including medical, IMRF pension program, and more. To find out more, visit our website.

Work Setting

• Based out of Lombard, IL, with travel to forest preserve project sites throughout DuPage County.
• This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit. Candidates hired into this role will be subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the applicable union contract. To review the agreement, please visit the "Work for Us" page on the Forest Preserve District's website.

Why Join Our Team?

• Outdoor work that matters: See the tangible results of your labor while protecting nature and public use.
• Skill-building environment: Operate and learn a wide range of equipment, techniques, and skills across our preserves.
• Positive team culture: Join a dedicated, supportive group committed to stewardship and service.
• Pride of purpose: Help maintain over 26,000 acres of land that millions of residents enjoy every year.