Kane Co. Forest Preserve Seeks Applicants for Several Summer Openings

Submission by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County

Available positions include full and part time positions. Internships and seasonal positions include: natural resources technician intern/seasonal, naturalist intern/seasonal, public relations intern, horticulturist intern, horticulturist/garden seasonal, campground attendant seasonal, maintenance-field operations seasonal, human resources/volunteer services assistant seasonal and trades seasonal.

Applicants who apply for the campground attendant or horticulturist intern must be 21 years of age or older. Applicants for other summer positions must be 18 or older. All candidates must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather, possess a valid driver’s license, and able to maintain an enthusiastic, courteous, positive attitude and team spirit.

Job duties differ by position. Natural resources technicians assist field staff with exotic species management, seed harvesting, sign posting, plant identification, data collection and ongoing restoration activities. Hours are typically 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

• Naturalist interns/seasonals will work with the District’s naturalist staff to plan and conduct various nature programs including day camps. Interns will assist in teaching and leading activities, and assist the naturalist staff with daily operation of the Nature Center. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Public relations interns will work with Community Affairs staff to plan and staff special events and assist with marketing, writing, graphic design, social media and other promotional work. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Horticulturist/Garden seasonals will carry–out the proper pruning and horticultural practices of the existing plant materials and maintain the gardens and grounds of Fabyan Forest Preserve. Hours are typically 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Horticulturist interns will help maintain gardens in the District, devise and document procedures and plans for maintaining the historical garden, as well as other areas in the District. Hours will be determined by the schedule of the horticulturist as needed, and up to 540 hours.
• Campground attendants will provide information and answer questions to campers and the public regarding camping and the District preserves. They will collect fees and operate the check-in station. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.
• Maintenance-field operations seasonals will help mow and maintain picnic areas, trails, parking lots and roadways; assist with maintenance and repair of buildings and structures; operate various hand and power landscape and construction equipment; and general labor. Hours are limited to a 40-hour work week and may include shift work, early mornings, weekends and holidays.
• Human resources/volunteer services assistants will assist the Safety Coordinator with initiatives, inspections and communications; help coordinate the annual Health Fair; provide assistance with special events; assist with volunteer banquet preparations, maintain the volunteer database, and respond to volunteer inquiries. Hours are typically Monday - Friday, 20 - 30 hours per week.
• Trades seasonals perform building and structural maintenance and repair work, carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, masonry and roofing. Hours are typically 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

For more information, see the “Employment Opportunities” section of the Forest Preserve District’s Web site at www.kaneforest.com. All candidates must apply online here.