Summary:

Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a crew member to be part of our Calumet Engagement Crew Pilot Program. The Calumet EC Pilot Program is a two-year training program that aims to introduce and train new professionals for careers in community-based conservation. Crew members are expected to commit to the entire two-year program, which will include job readiness training, paid certication opportunities and a 1-3 month long externship with a partner organization. Successful candidates will have a strong desire to start their careers in the environmental eld, showing a passion for advancing our conservation goals through our community-focused approach to engaging communities in the Calumet Region.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on a team of 5 to work on implementing engagement projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
• Assist with in-person engagement and stewardship programs/activities in the forest preserves, eventually designing and implementing own programs
• Assist with in-person outreach and create engaging digital and printed communications
• Participate in required training sessions during the two-year program
• Compile photos, anecdotal data, and other materials for an end-of-project portfolio
• Complete an externship with a partner organization to gain hands-on experience in conservation in the Chicago based environmental network

Qualications:

• Must live in the Calumet region of Cook County, such as Riverdale, East Side, South Holland, Calumet City, Dolton, Blue Island, and/or others
• Must be 21 years or older
• Willingness and available to commit to the two-year training program
• Strong interest in learning about engagement, conservation and working outdoors
• Inclusive and respectful approach to working with diversity of people and partners across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and other identities
• Strong interest in engaging public audiences with conservation education-based programs and activities
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to eectively work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Passionate about Friends' mission and supporting an inclusive work environment
• Must be punctual and responsible with the ability to work with others as a team
• Flexible schedule, including availability on weekends and evenings
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check

Benecial Qualications: 

• Experience in conservation/environmental-based education public programming
• Formal or informal education in any of the conservation/science-based fields
• Great problem-solving/troubleshooting skills
• Experience working/volunteering outdoors as part of a team
• Experience with Google Office Suite
• Speaks Spanish

Benefits: 

• Exposure to agencies and professionals with the potential for long-term career connections.
• 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
• Certicate and scholarship with completion of the 2 year program