Natural Resource Management Crew Seasonal Laborer

Resumes will be accepted until December 31, 2026.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing interest and a resume to:

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815.722.5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

humanresources@fpdwc.org

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Natural Resource Management Crew (Seasonal Laborer)

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for the Natural Resource Management Crew (Seasonal Laborer). The position assists in implementing the natural resource management program, including invasive species control, seed collection, native plantings, fire management and monitoring.  The Natural Resource Management Crew is a part-time seasonal position, with a starting pay of $17.50-$18.00 per hour.  Two different schedules are available: a summer seasonal (up to 36 hours/week for up to 20 weeks) and a term seasonal (up to 27 hours/week for up to 36 weeks). See attached Job Description outlining duties, skills, abilities, training, experience and working conditions or by visiting ReconnectWithNature.org for more information. 

Resumes will be accepted until December 31, 2026.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing interest and a resume to:

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815.722.5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

Humanresources@fpdwc.org

The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, or disability. In offering employment opportunities to the public, the Forest Preserve District will make reasonable modifications to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity. To request this document in large print, audio, or Braille, contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433; comments@fpdwc.org; 815.722.9383 (voice); 800.526.0844 (TDD). Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance. While the Forest Preserve District of Will County will make every effort to meet requests in a timely fashion, some requests may take longer than others to fulfill. Persons believing that they have been discriminated against by the Forest Preserve District of Will County may file a complaint alleging discrimination with the Forest Preserve District or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.doi.gov.
 

WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Natural Resource Management Crew (Seasonal Laborer)

DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION

FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

DATE: JANUARY 2026

LOCATION: CHERRY HILL OPERATIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITY

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Natural Resource Management Coordinator and daily guidance of the Natural Resource Management Crew Leader(s), assists in implementing the District’s natural resource management program. Work may include invasive species control, seed collection, native plantings, fire management, and monitoring to restore and maintain native species and habitat diversity within the District's preserve system. 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

• Natural Resource Management Coordinator

Supervises:

• None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepare, load, and unload supplies/equipment for daily land management tasks.
2. Operate vehicles, pick-up trucks (with and without trailers), ATVs, and UTVs.
3. Control invasive species and brush using herbicide application, chainsaws, mowers, brush cutters, and hand tools.
4. Native seed collection and processing.
5. Installation of native seed, plugs, shrubs, and tree saplings.
6. Assist with prescribed burn tasks, including equipment preparation, firebreak installation, and ignition/suppression roles during implementation.
7. Assist with research, monitoring, and wildlife management projects as needed.
8. Remove debris from managed preserves.
9. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• College graduates or other applicants who have studied in the fields of Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, or other related fields are preferred.
• Previous ecological restoration or land management experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of Midwest natural habitats, including the identification of native and non-native plants and animal species, is preferred.
• Good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and physically capable of maneuvering 50 pound objects over uneven terrain.
• Willing and able to use power tools (chainsaws, brush cutters, mowers) and hand tools (pruners, loppers, etc.).  District will provide training if needed.
• Have or are willing to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator and/or Applicator License.  District will provide training if needed.
• Have or are willing to obtain a Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescribed Crew Member Certificate or completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/S190 coursework.  District will provide training if needed.
• Effectively communicate in written and oral formats.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Active job; while performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand; walk on uneven terrain; carry, lift and move heavy objects (<50 pounds) or tools (chain saws, clearing saws, herbicide backpacks); climb hills and stairs; use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear in a sometimes noisy environment. 
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving parts; works in outside extreme heat or cold weather conditions; is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, smoke, and toxic or caustic chemicals, and potentially hazardous plants and animals.
3. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
4. The noise level in this job is usually moderate but can be high.

PAY RANGE AND BENEFITS

Hourly Rate:    $17.50-$18.00/hour

Schedule:         Seasonal part-time – Typically Monday through Friday, not exceeding 28 hours per week (on average) over a nine-month period (summer: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., otherwise 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This position shall not exceed 940 total hours in any twelve-month period.  Occasional extended weekday or weekend hours may be required.

Benefits:          Sick time and vacation in accordance with the employee handbook and employee assistance program.