Natural Resource Management Crew (Seasonal Laborer)

Application deadline: Dec. 31, 2026

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for a Landscape Architect in the Planning and Land Preservation Department at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, IL. This full-time position is responsible for creative planning, design, and development of high-quality recreational facilities that enhance the environment, including production of design and contract documents, budget management, construction supervision, site restoration supervision and coordination of staff, contractors, agencies, and citizens. The role includes a mix of office and field responsibilities.

See the attached Job Description outlining duties, skills, abilities, training, experience, and working conditions, or visit ReconnectWithNature.org for more information.

Resumes will be accepted for the Natural Resource Management Crew (Seasonal Laborer) will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2026.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing your 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)
  • [email protected]

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; [email protected]; 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

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. 

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 nonnative 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 CrewMember Certificate or completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/S190coursework. 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 unctions.

  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 perweek (on average) over a nine-month period (summer: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., otherwise7 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This position shall not exceed 940 total hours in any twelve-monthperiod. Occasional extended weekday or weekend hours may be required.

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