Habitat Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration in Forest Preserves of Cook County. This internship is being offered by Audubon and is in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to restore ecological health and integrity in prairie, savanna and woodland habitats at various preserves in Cook County. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growing network of individuals and organizations in the Chicago area that possess a personal commitment to conservation.
The commitment is a full-time, 40 hours per week, seasonal position that runs from June through October. The 40-hour work week requires commitment to Monday through Friday, 7am-3pm schedule with the flexibility to work occasional weekends to support community outreach and stewardship. Interns will report to the Stewardship Coordinator and preference will be given to those who commit to the full length of the internship. The internship is physically rigorous and offers interesting, educational, and challenging work outdoors to individuals who are energetic and motivated.
This internship offers:
- Paid Internship with competitive compensation.
- Reimbursement of mileage to and from meeting sites.
- Work t-shirts and muck boots provided and/or reimbursed by Audubon.
- Certifications, field trips, licensing reimbursed by Audubon.
Habitat Restoration interns will receive on-the-job training and develop skills in a variety of practices related to the management of natural habitats, including:
- Brush and weed management by using a wide variety of tools, including: backpack herbicide sprayers, chainsaws, brushcutters and hand tools.
- Restoration techniques, including plant identification, planting native plugs, seed collection, and when applicable, controlled burns.
- Ability to test for and obtain IL Herbicide Applicator License, and obtain certifications in Brushcutter/Chainsaw Feller 1 and Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn training courses.
- Stewardship and land management responsibilities in ecological restoration.
- Develop leadership and team-building skills while receiving professional job-skill training.
- Learn effective collaboration by working alongside additional restoration crews, volunteers and Forest Preserves staff.
- Attend educational trainings and events to gain exposure to other conservation organizations and professionals for the purpose of future job placement.
- Interaction with members of the public visiting the preserves during occasional weekend volunteer days and work week.
- Must have access to a car for transportation to work sites.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Ability to quickly study for and pass the Illinois Herbicide Applicator Test (review materials will be provided).
- Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, safe usage of basic maintenance tools including: hand tools, brushcutters and chainsaws.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, withstanding extreme temperatures, heavy mosquito presence and difficult terrain.
- Ability to lift, carry and move heavy objects up to 50lbs.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.
- Ability to follow instructions and use independent judgment in decisions, as needed.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends, as applicable.
- Strong interest in conservation and/or working outdoors.
- Must be 18 years or older with ability to work 40 hours per week, June-October.