Seasonal Natural Resources Preprofessional Plant Nursery

Seasonal Natural Resources Preprofessional Plant Nursery position assists the Stewardship Supervisor and Stewardship Technician in the maintenance of the Districts native plant nursery and provides leadership to nursery volunteers while receiving on the job training to complement their education.

What Youll Do

• Assist in planting transplanting plugs or potting mature plants watering weed management and scouting areas for pests invasive species or disease and reporting on general health of the Districts formal native planting beds and informal native landscape plantings.
• Assist in maintaining inventory records of native plant species.
• Maintain and install stake signs weed barrier walkways and edging.
• Operate motorized groundskeeping equipment including mowers and weed whips.
• Participate in invasive species control Integrated Pest Management practices using herbicides hand tools hand weeding and mechanical equipment.
• Collect clean and plant seeds of native plant species.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Operate District motor vehicles including a one-ton pick-up truck.
• Assist supervisor with the selection of staff schedule train provide guidance and communicate day-to-day work activities department expectations and work rules.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits that supports a clean organized and hazard-free environment.

What Youll Need

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Horticulture Botany Natural Resources Management or a related field.
• Valid Drivers License in good standing.
• Must have or obtain an IL Pesticide Operators License within 1 month of employment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic ecological principles.
• Familiarity with basic landscaping equipment including line trimmers mowers and hand tools.
• Proficiency in the identification of native and invasive flora.

Schedule & Pay

• Schedule is generally Monday Friday 8-hour days; however some Saturday work may be available.
• Expected start date is late April 2026 through August 2026
• $17.00 to $18.00 per hour
• Safety boot reimbursement is provided

Work Setting

• Position is based out of the Nursery facility in Blackwell Forest Preserve in West Chicago IL
• Requires working outdoors. Exposure to all weather conditions insects and other wildlife and uneven terrain.

Apply Today

Follow the link to apply directly and be considered for the position.

Additional information about the position and job duties can be found in the attached job description or on our website.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority