Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Member

Friends of the Forest Preserves; South Holland (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403b retirement plan with 3% match

2 weeks vacation

2 weeks sick time

11 paid holidays + 2 winter days

Job summary

Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a crew member for the Calumet Conservation Corps to work year‑round removing invasive species and restoring habitats across Cook County forest preserves. You will gain practical field skills and certifications that support a long‑term environmental career path.

The role involves outdoor teamwork, lifting up to 50 lbs, and adapting to seasonal schedules. Compensation includes health coverage sharing, disability, life insurance, retirement matching, vacation,

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong interest in learning about conservation and outdoor work.
• Punctual and reliable, able to work with others as a team.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) and work outside in varying weather.
• Ability to obtain IL Pesticide Operator License and First Aid/CPR within 45 days (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).
• Must meet at designated meetup location in Calumet region.

Responsibilities

• Work outdoors on a team of 5 removing invasive species with hand and power tools.
• Perform seed collecting and prescription burning to restore ecological health in forest preserves.
• Maintain tools as required.
• Attend required training sessions.

Skills

Outdoor work

Team player

Punctual

Meet meetup

Heavy lifting

Tools

Chainsaw Certification

Pesticide Operator License

First Aid/CPR

Job description

Reports to: Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Manager

Locations: Ability to meet at designated meetup location in Calumet region.Pay rate: $18.00 per hour, increasing incrementally to $20.00 per hour over a 2-year period

Schedule: 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 Calumet Conservation Corps Crews, based out of the Calumet region. 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)
• Ability to meet at designated meetup location in Calumet region.
• Experience working outdoors as part of a team
• 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

Friends of the Forest Preserves strongly encourages people of all identities to apply. We strive to include people of every race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, and/or sexual orientation. Friends is an equal opportunity employer, in addition to observing all legal protections of special status, promoting diversity in the conservation community.