Veteran Intern

Seasonal Full-time employees with a six or more month assignment and scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Life & AD&D insurance, Legal Shield, Commuter Reimbursement, Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Personal days, Holidays, Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.
 
Position Overview:
Work under supervision in assigned Garden Department while participating in the Veteran Internship Program to create a plan for transitioning to the civilian workforce. We are looking forward to welcoming nine participants to join the program for the 2025 season, anticipated start date May 19, 2025 until August 8, 2025.

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/internship/veteran
 
To assist in the day-to-day functions of an assigned Garden department. Garden departments may include:

• Accounting
• Camp CBG
• Display Gardens
• Interpretive Programs
• Science Conservation

You will work under supervision and receive individual and small group assistance to: 

• Create a civilian job market résumé and cover letter
• Develop a professional online presence via LinkedIn
• Practice interview skills and professionalism 
• Explore career choices 
• Learn how to search for employment

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:  

• Assisting and supporting the department in which you are working.
• Being an enthusiastic and positive contributor to the Veteran Internship Program.
• Completing Veteran Internship Program curriculum.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Veteran status.
• Must be able to provide DD Form 214 with application during application process. 
• Ability to provide Veteran I.D.
• Available for the duration of the intern program—mid-May through end of August.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of flexibility, responsibility, involvement, responsiveness, and cooperation.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Physical Demands: 

Office setting: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

Outside setting: Physical ability and stamina to walk to Garden areas. Periods of walking and standing.  Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items up to 30 pounds. Most of the work is conducted outside, rain or shine.

Who Should Apply?

Honorably discharged veterans seeking interim employment and guidance in creating a plan for transitioning to the civilian workforce. 

Deadline:

April 30 – Applications due

Why Apply? 
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.