The Chicago Park District is now hiring grant-funded seasonal positions on the Natural Areas Crew. The Natural Areas Crew is responsible for ecological restoration and management of the CPD’s prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

Duties include:

• Using conservation and restoration methods to improve the overall quality of natural areas, including mowing, herbicide application, hand pulling, and planting.
• Identifying and learning both native and non-native flora relevant to the region.
• Trail maintenance, fence repairs, garbage removal, and general park upkeep.
• Engaging communities and working with volunteer groups to connect people to nature and promote environmental education.

Crewmembers will start each workday at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh Park located at 11555 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60633 and commute by work vehicle to Hegewisch Marsh. Please note that public transit options, as well as bike trails and protected bike lanes, are limited and difficult to access.

Seasonal crewmembers will work an average of 37.5 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 6:30 am – 2:30 pm for a projected 5-6 month season. There may be occasional weekend work and an opportunity for overtime pay. The wage is $20.55/hour. The projected start date is late June. An additional $2.20 per hour will be added to wage while participating in prescribed burns, operating a skid steer, and mixing and applying herbicides.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to submit a job application if they believe they cannot perform all listed tasks on the position description. We are interested in finding the best candidates, and that could be you. If you are interested in applying and learning more about our work, we encourage you to apply!