Assistant Crew Leader, Forest Preserve Experience Program

Type: Seasonal, Temporary

Reports to: FPE Crew Leader

Start Date: June 15, 2026

Hourly Rate: $17.50 per hour

Required Work Hours: 

• 30 hours paid training June 15 - 18 & June 22 - June 25, 2026

8am - 3pm

• 26 hours per week June 29  through July 30, 2026

7:45am to 1:45pm, Monday - Thursday

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 seeks Assistant Crew Leaders to be part of the Forest Preserve Experience (FPE) leadership team. FPE is a five-week outdoor summer program for high school youth focused on job skill development, ecological restoration training and work, environmental education, and exposure to the forest preserves and jobs in conservation. For many participants, this program serves as a first job, so Assistant Crew Leaders excel in relating to and guiding youth through the program. Successful candidates have great communication skills, outgoing personalities, and the desire to build their leadership skills.

Responsibilities: 

• Support Crew Leaders with supervising, motivating, coordinating, and mentoring 12 high school youth (ages 14-19) employed in the FPE program. 
• Co-lead a variety of hands-on ecological conservation and restoration projects (such as invasive species removal and litter pick-up) in forest preserves in Cook County
• Plan and lead team building exercises and games with Crew Leaders
• Assist in leading educational activities
• Assist Crew Leaders with administrative duties such as tracking attendance and encouraging appropriate crew member engagement and behavior
• Demonstrate safe tool usage and teach basic invasive plant identification to crew members and ensure safety procedures are followed
• Positively represent Friends of the Forest Preserves at work site and while participating in recreational activities
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications:

• 18 - 20 years old
• Previous participation in the Forest Preserve Experience as a crew member 

• Ability to arrive at meet up locations in south suburbs of Cook County on time

• Ability to attend a mandatory training  June 15 - June 25 and the entire length of program (June 29, 2026 - July 30, 2026)
• Experience working with diverse groups of youth and strong interest in working with and mentoring youth
• Commitment to maintaining an inclusive, safe, productive, and enjoyable work environment
• Current Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certifications or willingness to obtain (Training provided)
• Willingness to obtain an Illinois Alternative Herbicide license (Training provided)
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) and work outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.

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.