NATURALIST II

Requisition

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

536 N. Harlem

Aug 25, 2026, 3:50:30 PM

Sep 25, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Posting Salary : $69,059 / Annually

An exciting opportunity to work for the Forest Preserves of Cook County in the department of Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) to fulfill the department’s mission to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the natural world.

Under the direction of the supervising Nature Center Director, provides a high level of professional expertise and direction in the coordination of staff and operations related to one or more of the District’s Nature Centers. upports the supervision ofstaff supporting or assigned to the Nature Center. Assists the Nature Center Director with all facets of nature center management including, but not limited to, scheduling, work assignments, timekeeping, discipline, program scheduling, budget preparation, purchasing, planning and execution of special events and coordination of community outreach and engagement initiatives.

Supports the Ambassador Animal program and assists with animal care, monitoring, and programming. In the absence of, or in conjunction with, the Nature Center Director, directs the day-to-day operations and oversees interpretive public programs and environmental education offerings whether on- or off-site supporting CEP’s interpretive plan and messaging priorities. Plans, prepares, and presents programs on a variety of topics.

Represents the District at meetings of civic and community groups and at professional conferences and workshops.

Meets, confers with, and assists staff from other CEP Teams and District departments on various programs and projects as required.

• Provides input into the development and implementation of the Forest Preserves and the Nature Center’s programs, public engagement, and community outreach activities at the assigned Nature Center
• Delivers interpretive and outdoor recreation programming at the Nature Center, at other FPCC locations and off site at schools, libraries, parks, and other locations.
• Co-directs community engagement and outreach programming efforts at the assigned nature center.
• Supports the team cohesion, training and development of all nature center staff (for example, Naturalists Is. CEP Assistants, Laborers,and CEP Aides)
• Assists with developing content for the Program Guide, brochures, displays, and any other interpretive media.
• Assists with coordinating and overseeing all nature center operations to provide the highest quality visitor experience while promoting the District’s mission.
• Ensures proper maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment on the site.
• Maintains the highest standards in the care and management of Ambassador Animals.
• Collects and organizes data for use in preparing reports.
• Planning, implementation and evaluation of special events and activities including set up and tear down.
• Advises on purchasing and acquisition of supplies.
• Provides information for use by the District’s communications staff to promote District events and programming through all available media.
• Conducts presentations at meetings, conferences and workshops that support the District’s mission.
• Promotes and participates in District events and programs.
• Assists with, or facilitates, research projects conducted by persons or agencies outside the District.
• May perform duties of all other CEP positions as needed, and/or other duties as assigned.
• Serves as timekeeper for the assigned Nature Center staff.
• May be required to temporarily work at various locations to facilitate District operations.

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least four years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, ambassador animal, or other similar programming OR an associate’s degree in…