Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for assisting the forestry staff in the maintenance of District trees and shrubs in its preserves and woody plant nursery while receiving on the job training to complement their technical education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with planting, trimming, and removal of trees and shrubs.
• Perform preserve maintenance activities including arboricultural maintenance, nursery maintenance, stream clearing, and turf restoration.
• Use hand tools and power tools.
• Operate various tractors with implements such as loaders, mounted mowers, and roto-tillers.
• Assist with maintaining and operating a drip irrigation system in the native plant nursery.
• Support efforts to identify and control invasive plant species within the preserves.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field.
• One year of forestry or horticulture experience preferred.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor environments.
• Basic knowledge of forestry principles, tree and shrub identification, and ecological concepts.
• Proficiency in using basic forestry tools and equipment.

Schedule: Position starts in April/May with an end date in September. Monday through Friday, shifts of 6:45 AM until 2:45 PM.

Pay: $18-20/hour.

Work Environment: Requires working outdoors. Exposure to all weather conditions, insects and other wildlife, uneven terrain, sharp tools, and motorized equipment. Work involves lifting and maneuvering large objects. Requires operating motor vehicles.

Other Information: Safety toe boots and glasses are required and reimbursable. Work t-shirts are provided. Bagged lunch and water are required, as breaks are taken at work sites. Reports to Blackwell Nursery Complex in West Chicago, IL.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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