Commitment: Seasonal/Flexible
Location: Native Plant Nursery, West Chicago IL
Minimum Age: 18, or 12 – 17 with an adult
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Native Plant Nursery Lead Volunteer
Commitment: Seasonal
Location: Native Plant Nursery, West Chicago IL
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Steward
Commitment: Monthly/Flexible (40+ hours per year)
Location: District-wide – Assigned preserve
Minimum Age: 21
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Stewards coordinate volunteer activities at the site and schedule restoration workdays with the Stewardship Program Coordinator. Stewards are encouraged to contribute to the management plan for their stewardship site (PDF)and share ideas and solutions to site problems with District staff and other stewards. Stewards collaborate with a co-steward where applicable. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. View full position description (PDF).
Co-Steward
Commitment: Monthly/Flexible
Location: District-wide – Assigned preserve
Minimum Age: 21
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Help staff accomplish the restoration goals for an ecologically valuable natural area. With supervision and mentorship from a volunteer steward, co-stewards are responsible for some of the site's volunteer natural resource management, which may include supervising restoration volunteer work at the site, seed collecting, education and outreach, invasive species control, recordkeeping, etc.
Co-stewards are encouraged to contribute to the management plan for their stewardship site (PDF) and share ideas and solutions to site problems with District staff and other stewards. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. View full position description (PDF).
Herbicide Volunteer
Commitment: Flexible/Participate as schedule allows
Location: District-wide
Minimum age: 21
Application deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Help staff accomplish the restoration goals for an ecologically valuable natural
area. After passing the exam(s) and receiving a pesticide Operator or Applicator license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, volunteer will be certified to apply herbicides to control various invasive species at preserves throughout the District, with training and direction from staff. Volunteers are responsible for recording and turning in data in a timely manner and recording volunteer hours. View full position description (PDF).
Danada Garden Volunteer
Commitment: Seasonal (April – October 6+ hours/month)
Location: Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton, IL
Minimum age: 18
Application deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Assist staff with the care and maintenance of the plant gardens near the Danada House. Weed or water plant beds, install plugs, keep records, and do general upkeep. The volunteer will use hand tools (spades, trowels, wheelbarrows, etc., in their work. This position may also require driving a motorized utility task vehicle like a Kubota.
District staff will help train volunteers and answer questions. The volunteer will sometimes interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. The volunteer will work Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. during normal garden staff working hours. After an initial training period, the work schedule can be flexible and could include evening or occasional weekend hours if desired. View full position description (PDF).