Seasonal Laborer

Performs duties involving manual labor which is related to the physical maintenance of District properties, facilities, equipment, and holdings. Responsible for a variety of tasks, utilizing a wide range of skills depending on areas of assignment and season-Winter-Spring-Summer-Fall, including the use and operation of District vehicles that includes pick-up truck and dump trucks, pulling trailers with riding mowers, water pumpers, pressure washers, gas and battery powered equipment and snow removal equipment. Provides customer service. at sledding hills and other recreational areas. Performs grass cutting and trimming, janitorial duties, ground keeping, maintenance, landscaping, set-up of events and permit areas, and removal of roadside debris and illegal dumps. Performs other duties as required or assigned. This is a union- Local 700 position. Selected candidate must be able to work at least 3 months but no more than 6 months and beable to provide their own transportation to work including, but not limited to, the following locations in Cook County: Chicago, Elgin, Maywood, Niles, North Riverside, Palos Hills, River Forest, Rolling Meadows, Willow Springs, Orland Park and Lansing in the Landscape Maintenance, Facilities and Fleet, Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) Departments.

Typical Duties

Provides labor for the maintenance of District property including, but not limited to groves, picnic areas, trails, nature centers, golf facilities, winter sport facilities and aquatic facilities.

Operates and may perform minor maintenance on a wide variety of District vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to small utility vehicles, riding mowers, plow vehicles, snow blowers and salt spreaders, garbage, and dump trucks, gas and battery powered hand tools.

Uses hand tools including, but not limited to rakes, shovels, scrapers, wrenches, line trimmers, edgers, sod cutters, pruning shears, pole saws, hammers, sledgehammers, post pounders, screwdrivers, pliers, bolt cutters, litter picks, loppers, brooms, etc.

Prepares and maintains landscaping by performing tasks including, but not limited to, plant removal and installation, transplanting, pruning, cutting, mulching, aerating, weeding, edging, trimming, watering, and installation of gravel paths with use of hand tools and mechanical equipment such as sod-cutters, over-seeders, and edgers.

Removes leaves, snow, grass, trash, dead animals, and other debris by manual, mechanical or vehicular means from District property as well as adjacent roadsides.

Performs janitorial duties for all indoor and outdoor District property, facilities, and holdings.

Assists in the maintenance and repair of all District property and holdings, including, but not limited to, picnic tables, outdoor toilets, benches, signs, and fences.

Provides customer service, assists, and educates District patrons as to the proper and safe use of District facilities.

Assists in the application of various cleaning products and/or herbicides used in maintenance of District property.

Assists in the maintenance of pool recreational areas.

Responsible for timely submission of accurate and legible pre-trip and work log paperwork.

Assists in care of animals in nature centers as well as those present on District property as specified, depending on the nature of work assignment.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and enter the information in the license field provided on the online application.

Must be a current resident of Cook County.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR at least one season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

Physical ability to perform various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of up to 50lbs.

Ability and willingness to learn operations of equipment and procedures, and to follow detailed instructions.

Ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels, including senior managers.

Ability to interact and communicate professionally with the general public as a representative of the District.

Ability to work various shifts, holidays, weekends, and District locations.

Ability to work in an outdoor environment, including but not limited to exposure to herbicides, natural elements, inclement weather, plants, and animals.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.

MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN 1 WEEK OF START DATE.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.