Overview
Restoration Intern Jobs in Chicago, USA at Dormont Manufacturing Co
Position Summary
Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration of Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and Chicago Park District (CPD) Natural Areas. Under the direction of Audubon’s Stewardship Program Associate, Restoration Intern – Crew Chief and Restoration Intern – Assistant Crew Chief, Restoration Interns will help to restore ecological health and integrity of prairie, savanna, woodland, wetland, and hemimarsh habitats by removing invasive species at various preserves and natural areas in Cook County.
This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in natural areas management and land stewardship, as well as contribute to the growing network of individuals and organizations in the Chicago area that possess a personal commitment to conservation.
Commitment
The internship is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week, Monday‑Friday 6:30 am‑3 pm seasonal paid position that runs from June through December. The Restoration Intern must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs. Transportation is preferred but not required. Interns will report to the Stewardship Program Associate and preference will be given to those who commit to the full length of the program.
The program is physically rigorous and challenging but offers interesting and educational experiences to an energetic and motivated individual.
Program Details
- Paid position with competitive compensation.
- Reimbursement of mileage to and from work sites when driving a personal vehicle.
- Uniforms, work vests and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by Audubon.
- Certifications, licenses, conference, and field seminar experience.
Length of Internship
Six months
Location
This role is on‑site and based out of Audubon Great Lakes (200 W Madison St. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606 c/o Impact House) but located at Big Marsh Park (11559 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617). Sites traveled to include the Forest Preserves District of Cook County (Powderhorn Nature Preserve, Orland Grassland, Michigan City Road Savanna, and multiple other properties), and Chicago Park District (Big Marsh Park, Indian Ridge Marsh Park, Hegewisch Marsh Park, Deadstick Pond, and Marian Byrnes).
Compensation
$19.00 / hour
Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives
- Stewardship and land management responsibilities in ecological restoration.
- Brush and weed management using a variety of tools, including backpack herbicide sprayers, brush cutters, chainsaws, and hand tools.
- Restoration techniques, including plant identification, planting native plugs, seed collection, processing, and dispersal, and when applicable, controlled brushpile or prescribed burns.
- Ability to test for and obtain IL Herbicide Applicator License within the first two weeks of hire, and obtain certifications in Chainsaw, Brush cutter, Group Leadership, Managing Invasives, and other ecology‑related field courses during the internship.
- Develop leadership and team‑building skills while receiving professional job‑skill training.
- Learn effective collaboration by working alongside Audubon crews and staff, partner restoration staff, volunteers, and other conservation partners in the region.
- Attend educational trainings and events to gain exposure to other conservation organizations and professionals for the purpose of future job placement.
- Professional and appropriate interaction with members of the public and volunteers carrying out work and visiting the preserves and natural areas.
Intern Schedule
The commitment is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week, Monday‑Friday, with most workdays scheduled 6:30 am‑3:00 pm. The seasonal paid position runs from June through December. Interns must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs.
Projected Start/End Dates
June 1 2026 – December 18 2026
Qualifications and Experience
- Preferably working towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources management, or related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be…
Title: Restoration Intern
Company: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Location: Chicago, USA
Category:
