INTERNSHIP - PAID - Urban Restoration Prescribed Fire Internship

Urban Restoration Prescribed Fire Internship
Friends of the Forest Preserves
Student Conservation Association

Friends of the Forest Preserves is a non-profit, local environmental organization that brings together people and resources to
protect, preserve, and restore the Forest Preserves of Cook County for the benefit of people and nature. The Student Conservation Association seeks to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.

Position:
We are seeking interns for a three-month internship that includes a stipend and features extensive job training. Successful
completion of the internship will provide valuable skills and certifications that could lead to a long-term career in natural land
management or other environmental jobs. The forest preserves are unique to Chicago. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County preserves and protects 68,000 acres, more than 11 percent of the county. These are important lands for plants and animals but need active management by people to stay healthy. Interns will work outdoors removing invasive species and conducting other physical work to restore health to the preserves. Interns will receive training in the implementation of controlled burns, chainsaw use, and other equipment.

Internship Dates: August 30 – November 18, 2011 (12 weeks; 32 hours per week; Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Locations: Forest Preserves of Cook County (locations to be worked out in Summer 2011, check back for more information)

Requirements:
1. No experience is necessary but must have a strong interest in learning about conservation and nature.
2. Must be punctual and responsible with an ability to work with others as a team.
3. Ability to lift heavy objects and walk on uneven ground must be physically fit and able to pass a fitness test.
4. Ability to perform strenuous work, eight hour per day, outdoors in a variety of weather conditions starting at 7 a.m.
Tuesday through Friday.
5. Ability to follow directions and work safely.
6. Some flexibility including long days and weekend work maybe required.
7. Personal transportation required. Forest preserve locations are generally not close to public transportation.
8. US Citizen. Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Benefits:
1. $255 per week stipend plus $60 per week for travel
2. $1,100 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of internship
3. All expenses paid team building and training workshop in New Hampshire
4. Service boots and gloves provided
5. Professional trainings and certifications in “Firefighting Training and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior”
6. Exposure to agencies and professionals with the potential for long-term career connections
7. Professional and personal connections that will last a lifetime

Application Deadline: For highest consideration please submit applications by July 1, 2011
For more information:
Alice Brandon, Conservation Director
Friends of the Forest Preserves
28 E. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1102
Chicago, IL 60604-2330
email: alice@fotfp.org
(312) 356-9990
fax: (312) 356-9991

This project is a collaborative project of USFS-Midewin, USFS-State and Private Forestry, The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois
Conservation Foundation, Student Conservation Association and Friends of the Forest Preserves.