Palos Conservation Corps Crew Manager

Reports to: Associate Director of Conservation Corps Start date: ASAP Pay rate: $28.34/hour Schedule: Full time, 36 hours per week Typically 9 hours/day6:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Thursday. Schedule changes regularly, based on season, weather, and other requirements. Friday and Saturday work is sometimes required. 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 (FOTFP) seeks a Crew Manager to lead our Palos Conservation Corps Crew, based in Willow Springs, Illinois. Conservation Corps members work year-round to remove invasive species and restore native habitats throughout the forest preserves in Cook County. Participants gain valuable skills and certifications that could lead to a long-term career in natural land management or other environmental jobs. We are seeking a Crew Manager to provide strong leadership in achieving the goals of the program. Responsibilities Manage and supervise 5-member crew to work on variety of indoor and outdoor conservation projects in Forest Preserves of Cook CountyWork independently to fulfill restoration work orders and project responsibilities, including, but not limited to, year-round field work, supplies procurement, tool and vehicle maintenance, scouting, walkthroughs, and follow up treatmentTrain and lead crews for field work, herbicide application, prescribed burning, and mechanical control of invasive species using motorized equipment (brush cutters, chainsaws, mowers) and hand toolsAssist with educating crew in ecological restoration and local ecology conceptsDevelop weekly crew schedule, training, and reportingEvaluate and document crew work activities and performance through compiling weekly work log data, taking and uploading crew photos, and assisting with writing quarterly and annual work progress reportsInterview, screen, hire, and onboard all new crew members Required Qualifications 21 years or older with clean driving recordAt least 3 years practical experience working with crews to conduct habitatrestorationExcellent working knowledge of restoration best practices and plant identificationStrong commitment to creating a culture of safety, teamwork, and learningCurrent Illinois Herbicide Applicator license or ability to secure one within 45 daysof hireCurrent Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certificationsExcellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsAbility to create an inclusive working environment for a diversity of team membersand partnersAbility to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) and work outside in inclementweather and extreme temperaturesComfortable driving an extended-bed heavy duty F250 truck (training provided)Flexibility for schedule changes due to trainings, burn season, and weather Beneficial Skills/Qualifications Experience with technical report writingStaff management/supervisory experienceExperience teaching in classroom and/or field setting a plus300 hours of chainsaw experience, 100 hours of brush cutter experience, 570 hours of herbicide experienceExperience using GPS UnitsS290 certification and Burn Boss certificationExperience with team leadership Benefits Health, dental, short- and long-term disability, and $100,000 of life insurance coverage403b retirement account with 3% match after 1 year3 weeks of vacation2 weeks of sick time11 paid holidays plus 2 additional paid days of winter break 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.