What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Crew Leader, Forest Preserve Experience Program position at Friends of the Forest Preserves?
Reports to: FPE Crew Leader
Open until filled | Start Date: June 16, 2025
Salary: $17.50 per hour
30 hours paid training June 16-18 & June 23- June 27
8am - 3pm
25 hours per week June 30 thru August 1, 2025
July 4 off, unpaid
8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Organization
Mission: We unite people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County.
Our community advocates for the responsible management of the nearly 70,000 acres of forest
preserves in Cook County through advocacy, engagement, and stewardship of the land. Some of the
best natural areas in Illinois are right here in Cook County, right outside your urban backdoor. Join
our team and help us ensure they are here for the next 100 years.
Friends is an organization that gets things done with our members, volunteers, staff, board, and
partners. We believe in work-life balance and are here for the marathon, not the sprint (not that we
don’t sprint on a regular basis).
Operating Budget: $3,750,000
Summary: Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks Assistant Crew Leaders to be part of the Forest
Preserve Experience (FPE) leadership team. FPE is a five-week outdoor summer program for high
school youth focused on job skill development, restoration training and work, environmental
education, and exposure to the forest preserves and jobs in conservation. For many participants, this
program serves as a first job, so Assistant Crew Leaders excel in relating to and guiding youth
through the program. Successful candidates have great communication skills, outgoing
personalities, and the desire to build their leadership skills.
Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Dates Of Employment
Local Program Training: June 16-18 & June 23- June 27 from 8 am to 3 pm
Program Dates: June 30 thru August 1 (5 days a week for 5 weeks)
July 4 off, unpaid
Assistant Crew Leaders work 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday thru Friday
To apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and two references via the Friends’ website at
https://fotfp.org/who-we-are/jobs/. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Please
NO calls, faxes, office visits, or emails.
Friends of the Forest Preserves strongly encourages people of all identities to apply. We strive to
include people of every race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or
veteran status, and/or sexual orientation. Friends is an equal opportunity employer, in addition to
observing all legal protections of special status, promoting diversity in the conservation community.
Open until filled | Start Date: June 16, 2025
Salary: $17.50 per hour
30 hours paid training June 16-18 & June 23- June 27
8am - 3pm
25 hours per week June 30 thru August 1, 2025
July 4 off, unpaid
8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Organization
Mission: We unite people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County.
Our community advocates for the responsible management of the nearly 70,000 acres of forest
preserves in Cook County through advocacy, engagement, and stewardship of the land. Some of the
best natural areas in Illinois are right here in Cook County, right outside your urban backdoor. Join
our team and help us ensure they are here for the next 100 years.
Friends is an organization that gets things done with our members, volunteers, staff, board, and
partners. We believe in work-life balance and are here for the marathon, not the sprint (not that we
don’t sprint on a regular basis).
Operating Budget: $3,750,000
Summary: Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks Assistant Crew Leaders to be part of the Forest
Preserve Experience (FPE) leadership team. FPE is a five-week outdoor summer program for high
school youth focused on job skill development, restoration training and work, environmental
education, and exposure to the forest preserves and jobs in conservation. For many participants, this
program serves as a first job, so Assistant Crew Leaders excel in relating to and guiding youth
through the program. Successful candidates have great communication skills, outgoing
personalities, and the desire to build their leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Support Crew Leaders with supervising, motivating, coordinating, and mentoring 12 high
- Co-lead a variety of hands-on ecological conservation and restoration projects (such as
- Plan and lead team building exercises and games with Crew Leaders
- Assist in leading educational activities
- Assist Crew Leaders with administrative duties such as tracking attendance and
- Demonstrate safe tool usage and teach basic invasive plant identification to crew members
- Positively represent Friends of the Forest Preserves at work site and while participating in
Required Qualifications
- 18 - 20 years old
- Must have participated in Forest Preserve Experience as a crew member previously
- Ability to arrive at meet up locations in south suburbs of Cook County on time
- Must be able to attend a mandatory training June 16 - June 27 in addition to the entire length
- Experience working with diverse groups of youth and strong interest in working with and
- Ability to maintain inclusive, safe, productive, and enjoyable work environment
- Current Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certifications or willingness to obtain (Training provided)
- Willingness to obtain an Illinois Alternative Herbicide license (Training provided)
- Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) and work outside in inclement weather and
Dates Of Employment
Local Program Training: June 16-18 & June 23- June 27 from 8 am to 3 pm
Program Dates: June 30 thru August 1 (5 days a week for 5 weeks)
July 4 off, unpaid
Assistant Crew Leaders work 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday thru Friday
To apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and two references via the Friends’ website at
https://fotfp.org/who-we-are/jobs/. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Please
NO calls, faxes, office visits, or emails.
Friends of the Forest Preserves strongly encourages people of all identities to apply. We strive to
include people of every race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or
veteran status, and/or sexual orientation. Friends is an equal opportunity employer, in addition to
observing all legal protections of special status, promoting diversity in the conservation community.
Salary : $18
