Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration in Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and Chicago Park District (CPD) Natural Areas. Under the direction of Audubon's Stewardship Program Associate, Restoration Crew Chief and Restoration Assistant Crew Chief, Restoration Interns will help to restore ecological health and integrity of prairie, savanna, woodland, wetland and hemimarsh habitats by removing invasive species at various preserves and natural areas in Cook County. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in natural areas management and land stewardship, as well as 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 paid position that runs from May through October. The 40-hour work week requires commitment to a Monday through Friday schedule with most workdays scheduled 7am-3pm. Interns must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs. They are also expected to be prepared to work occasional weekends throughout the season. Interns will report to the Stewardship Program Associate and preference will be given to those who commit to the full length of the program. The program is physically rigorous and challenging, but offers an interesting and educational experiences to an energetic and motivated individual. The positions are offered through Audubon’s Wings Internship program in partnership with the FPCC and CPD.
This program offers:
- Paid position with competitive compensation.
- Reimbursement of mileage to and from work sites.
- Uniforms, work vests and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by Audubon.
- Certifications, licenses, conference and field seminar experience.
Restoration Interns will receive on-the-job training and develop skills in a variety of practices related to the management of natural habitats, including:
- Stewardship and land management responsibilities in ecological restoration.
- Brush and weed management by using a wide variety of tools, including: backpack herbicide sprayers, brushcutters and hand tools.
- Restoration techniques, including plant identification, planting native plugs, seed collection, processing and dispersal, and when applicable, controlled brushpile burns.
- Ability to test for and obtain IL Herbicide Applicator License, and obtain certifications in Brushcutter, Brushpile Burns, Group Leadership, Managing Invasives, and other ecology-related field courses.
- Develop leadership and team-building skills while receiving professional job-skill training.
- Learn effective collaboration by working alongside Audubon crews and staff, partner restoration staff, volunteers and other conservation partners in the region.
- Attend educational trainings and events to gain exposure to other conservation organizations and professionals for the purpose of future job placement.
- Professional and appropriate interaction with members of the public and volunteers carrying out work and visiting the preserves and natural areas.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Strong interest in conservation and/or working outdoors.
- Ability to work Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, May-October.
- Willingness to work an extremely flexible schedule that can change daily to hourly, including some weekends, as applicable.
- Must have access to a car or other means of transportation to get to and from meet sites, designated work sites and training locations.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, withstanding extreme temperatures, heavy mosquito presence and difficult terrain.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.
- Ability to quickly study for and pass the Illinois Herbicide Applicator Exams.
- Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, safe usage of basic maintenance tools including: hand tools, brushcutters and potentially chainsaws.
- Ability to lift, carry and move heavy objects up to 50lbs.
- Ability to follow instructions and use independent judgment in decisions, as needed.