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Get your hands dirty with seasonal work in the forest preserve

Summer is on the horizon, and for many college students, that means it's job search time. Poring over job descriptions online, students find that lots of jobs require experience - but you can't get experience without a job. It's the classic catch-22.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County may be the answer. The district is now seeking applicants for 2016 summer seasonal and internships positions. These jobs provide the all-important experience that can give you a leg up. The positions run the gamut from natural resource technicians to public relations interns. Some are outdoor jobs; some are office jobs. Some are full time, and some part time.

Working for the forest preserve district sounds cool, but you may be wondering, "What do you do in the forest preserves?"

We do a lot! And there are lots of seasonal jobs that provide a broad base of experience for people wanting to get into the field.

"The Forest Preserve District is multifaceted," said Tracey Smith, director of human resources. "We have crews maintaining trails, leading summer camps, assisting with events, and helping to restore habitat. Everyone plays an important role."

For starters, take a look at the natural resources department. These are the folks hard at work preserving, restoring, and protecting natural areas throughout the county. Natural resources technicians assist field staff with exotic species management - or, good old weeding. This is an essential part of restoring native habitat. The setting is beautiful, and the work is meaningful.

The seasonal employees in the natural resources department also help harvest seeds of native plants, identify plants, insects, and other animals, and collect data. For those who love to be outdoors throughout the summer and are committed to preserving and protecting natural areas, this is a great position. Hours are typically 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Maintenance-field operations seasonal staff help mow and maintain picnic areas, trails, parking lots and roadways. These are the employees who make the forest preserves wonderful places to visit. In addition to mowing and trail work, they assist with maintenance and repair of building and structures, and operate various hand and power equipment. The job involves moving around throughout the day - perfect for those who want action. The hours may include shift work, early mornings, weekend and holidays.

Another great outdoor job is the horticulturist/garden seasonal. The scenery at the work site is unbeatable - the beautiful Japanese garden at Fabyan Forest Preserve and the grounds of Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. These interns help document procedures and implement plans for maintaining the gardens. This hands-on experience is good for those wishing to pursue horticulture as a career. Hours will be determined by the schedule of the horticulturist as needed.

The trades department offers handiwork and craftsmanship in all kinds of settings, from the north end of Kane County to the south. The trades seasonals help keep things running indoors and out. They assist with building and structural maintenance and repair work, carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, masonry and roofing. Hours are typically 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday - Friday.

If you have an outgoing personality and like to interact with people, there are several positions to consider. The naturalist intern, the campground attendant, the public relations intern and human resources/volunteer services assistant, all require strong communication skills. Visitors to the Nature Center, the campgrounds, and the forest preserves come in all stripes, and our interns interact with everyone.

Naturalist interns jump right into environmental education at the forest preserve district. They assist the naturalist staff to plan and conduct nature programs of all kinds. Summer camps, family nature programs, and senior outings are just a few of activities. The staff is based at Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles, but programs are help at forest preserves throughout the county. The interns learn that being a naturalist is more than "a walk in the park" - but it's darn near as fun. They also assist with the daily operations of the nature center and serve as hosts when the center is open to the public. The hours for this position vary according to the program schedule.

Campground attendants work with the public at one of our two camping sites: Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin or Big Rock Campground in Big Rock. The attendants provide information and answer questions asked by campers and the public regarding camping and the district preserves. They collect fees and operate the check-in station. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.

The human resources/volunteer services assistant works with both staff and the public in many different settings. The assistant helps both the safety coordinator and the volunteer coordinator. The job involves helping facilitate staff and public volunteer events, both outdoors and indoors. Duties include assisting with safety and wellness initiatives, working with volunteers, maintaining the volunteer database, and responding to volunteer inquiries. The intern works 20-30 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings.

If you're into graphics, digital media and marketing, the public relations internship might be for you. The intern works with community affairs staff to plan and staff special events and assist with promoting all the district has to offer. Skills include writing, graphic design, social media and other marketing work. The hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Applicants who apply for the campground attendant or horticulturist intern must be 21 or older. Applicants for other summer positions must be 18 or older. Candidates must be able to work outdoors in varied conditions and possess a valid driver's license. All employment is subject to successful completion of a background check, physical and drug screening.

For details and full descriptions of each position, see the "Employment Opportunities" section of the district's website. All candidates must apply online at www.kaneforest.com/. If you have questions, contact human resources specialist Betsy Scaletta at (630) 208-8662 or email hrforest@kaneforest.com. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Valerie Blaine is the Nature Programs Manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You may reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com.

Naturalist Josh Libman got his start as a summer intern at Creek Bend Nature Center. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Intern Valerie Cournoyer and campers explore the Fox River at Tekakwitha Woods in St. Charles. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Interns Jaclyn Olson and Valerie Cournoyer lead summer camp activity at Tekakwitha Woods. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Intern Valerie Cournoyer taught summer camp for two years with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
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