POSITION TITLE: seed amplification program intern

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Forest Preserves of Cook County
Application Deadline:  Rolling Basis
Education Required:  none
Location:  Salt Creek Office Lagrange Western Springs,IL
Website Link/URL:  www.fpdcc.com

Description:  

 Gain practical, on-the-ground- experience working with Forest Preserve’s Seed Amplification Program (SAP). Interns learn what it’s like to manage a native seed nursery, collect and process native seeds, and scout for native species. Work involves both at the native seed nursery and field work offsite. Nursery management tasks include weeding, plug planting, watering and seed collection. Field work includes plant identification, population scouting, and seed collection. Expect to be on your feet all day working hard outdoors and getting dirty. This is an ideal hands-on experience for those interested in Environmental Science/Ecology/Biology. Opportunities for interns to meet experts in their chosen field and grow professional networks are provided. 

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

 

 $18.50/hr (32 hrs/week; Monday- Thursday, 7am – 3pm), July 6th – December 4th (22 weeks)  

 

Responsibilities:  

 

 Work outside all day conducting hands-on projects aimed at increasing biodiversity though seeds in all weather conditions
• Assist in nursery tasks including weeding, watering, and plug planting
• Assist in native seed collection both at the nursery and in the field at various FPCC sites and in variety of habitats
• Help conduct additional fieldwork for the seed amplification program including plant identification and population scouting
• Assist in seed processing, seed documentation/data entry, and seed storage
• Assist SAP staff with operation of hand tools, power tools, and heavier equipment such as pruners, drills, and a hammermill  

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Must be at least 18 years of age; must possess a current valid driver’s license
• Relevant educational background, including, but not limited to, general biology or science related course work or have at least 6 months of experience working with a landscape company, conservation corps partner or similar, utilizing hand and power tools, or other outdoor manual work
• Ability to identify or learn to identify species that are native and invasive to Cook County
• Must have ability to work in a team setting
• Capability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including performing physically strenuous tasks and work, including but not limited to: lifting, pulling, and moving objects that weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to follow instructions and carry out related duties as assigned
• Interest in the ecology field or Natural Resource Management a plus
• Experience using Field Maps and ArcGIS online a plus 

 

How to Apply:  

 

 : Send cover letter and resume to at jobs@ilmenvironments.com; please make sure to include your cover
letter and resume in a single document labeled with your last name and the words “RM SEED internship”. Example:
Smith RM SEED internship