Seasonal Ranger - April 2025 - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County : Job Details

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position assists Ranger staff in the upkeep of District preserves, facilities, and amenities, for the purpose of providing clean and safe preserves for the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform maintenance, including opening of preserves, de-littering, latrine cleaning, and upkeep of amenities such as shelters, kiosks, picnic tables, barrels, latrines, and flush bathrooms.
• Assist with inspections on trails, boundaries, water controls, waterways, dog areas and amenities.
• Assist with various recreational programs including but not limited to archery, fishing, paddling, camps, and special events.
• Keep neat and accurate records including incident and injury reports, equipment damage reports, and facility logs.
• Operate power tools including brush cutters, weed whips, drills, deck mowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers.
• Operate District vehicles including pick-up trucks, electric golf carts, and ATVs.
• Respond promptly to any emergency situations, providing first aid as needed.
• Provide District information to the public regarding the preserves, recreational opportunities, rules, and regulations.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with use of power tools.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time independently.

Schedule: Hours can vary working a schedule that can average 30 or more hours per week from mid-May to as late as October. Holidays and weekends are included.

Pay: $15 per hour.

Work Environment: Primarily outdoors while maintaining our Forest Preserves and engaging with the public.

Other Information: Position reports out of either Ranger Operations Facilities in Blackwell or Churchill Woods Forest Preserves.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.