NATURALIST II

Cook County Government; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Forest Preserve District of Cook County in Illinois seeks a qualified leader to coordinate staff and operations at a Nature Center within the Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) department. You will supervise staff, plan programs, manage budgets, and support ambassador animals while collaborating with district teams to deliver interpretive experiences.

You will present programs, engage diverse communities, and help advance CEP's interpretive plan across multiple locations, including

Qualifications

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least four years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming OR an associate’s degree in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least six years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming. OR a high-school diploma or GED AND at least ten years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming.

Responsibilities

• Provides input into the development and implementation of the Forest Preserves and the Nature Center’s programs, public engagement, and community outreach activities at the assigned Nature Center.
• Delivers interpretive and outdoor recreation programming at the Nature Center, at other FPCC locations and off site at schools, libraries, parks, and other locations.
• Co-directs community engagement and outreach programming efforts at the assigned nature center.
• Supports the team cohesion, training and development of all nature center staff.
• Assists with developing content for the Program Guide, brochures, displays, and any other interpretive media.
• Assists with coordinating and overseeing all nature center operations to provide the highest quality visitor experience.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public engagement

Environmental education

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition ID

00139418

Organization

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Work Locations

536 N. Harlem

Job Posting

Aug 25, 2026, 3:50:30 PM

Closing Date

Sep 25, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Posting Salary : $69,059 / Annually

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity to work for the Forest Preserves of Cook County in the department of Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) to fulfill the department’s mission to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the natural world.

Under the direction of the supervising Nature Center Director, provides a high level of professional expertise and direction in the coordination of staff and operations related to one or more of the District’s Nature Centers. upports the supervision ofstaff supporting or assigned to the Nature Center. Assists the Nature Center Director with all facets of nature center management including, but not limited to, scheduling, work assignments, timekeeping, discipline, program scheduling, budget preparation, purchasing, planning and execution of special events and coordination of community outreach and engagement initiatives. Supports the Ambassador Animal program and assists with animal care, monitoring, and programming. In the absence of, or in conjunction with, the Nature Center Director, directs the day-to-day operations and oversees interpretive public programs and environmental education offerings whether on- or off-site supporting CEP’s interpretive plan and messaging priorities. Plans, prepares, and presents programs on a variety of topics.Represents the District at meetings of civic and community groups and at professional conferences and workshops.Meets, confers with, and assists staff from other CEP Teams and District departments on various programs and projects as required.

Typical Duties

• Provides input into the development and implementation of the Forest Preserves and the Nature Center’s programs, public engagement, and community outreach activities at the assigned Nature Center
• Delivers interpretive and outdoor recreation programming at the Nature Center, at other FPCC locations and off site at schools, libraries, parks, and other locations.
• Co-directs community engagement and outreach programming efforts at the assigned nature center.
• Supports the team cohesion, training anddevelopment of all nature center staff (for example, Naturalists Is. CEP Assistants, Laborers,and CEP Aides)
• Assists with developing content for the Program Guide, brochures, displays, and any other interpretive media.
• Assists with coordinating and overseeing all nature center operations to provide the highest quality visitor experience while promoting the District’s mission.
• Ensures proper maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment on the site.
• Maintains the highest standards in the care and management of Ambassador Animals.
• Collects and organizes data for use in preparing reports.
• Planning, implementation and evaluation of special events and activities including set up and tear down.
• Advises on purchasing and acquisition of supplies.
• Provides information for use by the District’s communications staff to promote District events and programming through all available media.
• Conducts presentations at meetings, conferences and workshops that support the District’s mission.
• Promotes and participates in District events and programs.
• Assists with, or facilitates, research projects conducted by persons or agencies outside the District.
• May perform duties of all other CEP positions as needed, and/or other duties as assigned.
• Serves as timekeeper for the assigned Nature Center staff.
• May be required to temporarily work at various locations to facilitate District operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least four years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming OR an associate’s degree in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least six years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming. OR a high-school diploma or GED AND at least ten years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming.

Must possess avalid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to communicate in Spanish or Polish OR work experience at a Nature Center OR possession of at least one year of experience with youth development, community/public engagement or other community work in a nature, conservation,recreation, or education environment OR at least one season of work experience asa Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador OR at least one season of work with the Forest Preserves of Cook County OR at least one season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member OR at least one season of work experience on the Forest Preserves District of Cook County’s property with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society,Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Requirements for Applicants

As an attachment to your online application, upload a PDF document containing an example of a program plan or outline for an interpretive program on a Forest Preserves related topic.

Must be prepared to present a ten-minute interpretive program during the interview based on the program plan or outline that you upload as part of the application process.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to manage and coordinate personnel enabling them to carry out the goals and objectives of the assigned nature center, CEP Department, Interpretive Plan, and the District.

Ability to plan, organize, supervise, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel.

Ability to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in all areas related to the preservation, management, and conservation of natural resources as it applies to the District.

Knowledge in the care and preservation of native plant and animal species as it pertains to the District’s needs and operations.

Ability to assist with the Ambassador Animal program and maintain high standards for care, monitoring, enrichment and programming.

Skill in planning, developing, organizing, presenting, and supervising environmental education programs.

Knowledge of inclusive and welcoming philosophies and ability to work with that lens at the forefront of decision-making, programming, and community engagement.

Knowledge of the diverse populations within Cook County and the ability to understand the corresponding cultural differences.

Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism while supervising staff and while providing a high level of customer service for the public and other District personnel.

Ability to explain services and operations or provide general directions and information to callers and visitors.

Knowledge of the working systems of a facility and outdoor nature play and natural areas.

Skill in maintaining a high level of efficiency and morale while supervising and interacting with staff, volunteers, and the public.

Thorough knowledge of the types of natural areas found in the District and the current conservation practices used to manage them.

Ability to coordinate the daily operation and management of a nature center facility which includes all structures, mechanical systems, grounds, trails, animal care, and equipment.

Skill in planning, developing, organizing, presenting, and supervising all on-and off-site programming as it relates to the facility and the Forest Preserves as a whole.

Extensive experience in developing and delivering interpretive programming.

Ability to resolve conflicts both within the staff and between staff and the public and lead through vision and transformation.

Ability to execute with dedication the mission of the District.

Skill in providing effective written and oral instructions and ability to follow safety procedures.

Ability to maintain or obtain certifications and licenses deemed appropriate by the District as a condition of continued employment.

Willingness to work an extended and flexible schedule that includes work on weekends, evenings, and holidays.

This position requires various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving up to fifty pounds and requires work outdoors in inclement weather.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify forthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time.To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted.Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.