Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador Intern

Position: SEASONAL YOUTH OUTDOOR AMBASSADOR INTERN
Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Are you curious about the Forest Preserves and the natural world around you? Join our team as a seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador (YOA) intern at one of the most historic agencies of the last hundred years. This position will support operations within the Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) as well as other departments in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Interns are mentored by nature educators and professionals to develop a foundation of life and career readiness skills. Interns will learn local ecology, recreation, community engagement, native plants and animals and much more. As YOA interns, you will also learn about various careers in the Forest Preserves while gaining exposure to other conservation and recreation organizations. Spend your summer connecting with people, connecting with nature, and connecting people to nature.

Interns will assist all CEP staff and could work in any CEP location including, but not limited to, General Office, Nature Centers, and Campgrounds. Interns will provide support in a variety of administrative tasks, assignments, programs and operational functions, and will perform other duties as required or assigned. This is a seasonal position and for a duration of up to 6 months.

Typical Duties

Assists with program activities including camps, workshops, hikes, games, projects, etc.

Assists with general operations of assigned site.

Assists with general office and administrative work.

Assists with management of photo documentation for programs.

Provides support at information desk or table at assigned site or event.

Provides support at Nature Centers with live animals and animal displays.

Supports staff with set up, program operations and tear down for events.

Assists with outdoor restoration and maintenance of site as needed and is appropriate.

Attends meetings and workshops with other interns as assigned.

Assists with creating indoor and outdoor activities and curriculum for the general public..

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 16 years of age and no older than 22 years of age by June 12, 2026.

Must be able to attend orientation during the week of June 22-26, 2026.

Must provide a birth certificate or Illinois State  Passport prior to start of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC),

OR

Possess at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member,

OR

Possess at least 1 season of work experience on property of FPCC with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, or Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Enthusiasm and passion for nature.

Enthusiasm for learning about conservation and outdoor activities.

Ability to travel to different locations throughout the District and provide own means of transportation.

Outgoing and self-motivated and able to adapt to changing plans and environments.

Ability and willingness to learn new things.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Interest in learning about nature and outdoor activities.

Available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Ability to complete tasks unsupervised if working from home.

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 the 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.

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,…