About Oakton Community College :

For over 40 years, Oakton Community College has been the setting where thousands begin or continue their college or career studies. Educating people of all ages, from all walks of life and from more than 40 nations, Oakton focuses on improving the quality of life for everyone who enters its doors.

Job Description:

Basic Function and Responsibility:

Assists with maintenance of grounds, gardens, trails, and all other parts of designated natural areas and sites; mainly through coordination with outside contractors. Provides environmental education programming and conservation-based nature education workshops to students and partners of the College. Organizes and develops interpretive programs and curriculum-based programs for the College students, civic and special interest groups, and the general public on the natural history of the natural areas and other ecological or environmental themes. Cares for botanical and zoological specimens, and other exhibit and education materials. Assists local County Forest Preserve biologists and ecologists with research and other programs and projects. Performs all other job related duties as assigned.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs tasks in designated natural areas, including seeding, gathering seeds, fertilizing, planting, etc. Responsible for overall public safety of natural areas and trails.
  
• Schedules, coordinates, and watches over work performed by outside contractors such as controlled burns, tree removal, pesticide application, etc.
  
• Gathers information for budget estimates and monitors expenses.
  
• Prepares and delivers nature-based and environmental education programs and other interpretive programs at the College and off-site locations.
  
• Main contact for all requests and inquires to enter or use natural areas.
  
• Develops displays, wayside exhibits, trail guides, and other interpretive materials.
  
• Serves as a natural areas guide to students, professionals, the community, and interest groups. Answers questions, informs, and advises (in person and by telephone, email, and other communication methods), on topics pertaining to the natural areas such as plants, wildlife, the environment, and other concerns.
  
• Assists local County biologists and ecologists as appropriate in data gathering for research.
  
• Cares for biological and zoological specimens as appropriate..
  
• Supervises and coordinates volunteer projects involving students and employees in relation to the natural areas.
  
• Other job related duties in relation to natural areas.

Requirements:

Hiring Qualifications:

• Must possess an associate degree or higher in, natural sciences, environmental sciences, environmental education, education, outdoor recreation or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work or volunteer experience.
  
• Two (2) or more years of professional work experience in nature based, outdoor adventure, or environmental education programming.
  
• Must possess current valid driver's license.
  
• Preferred at least two (2) seasons of professional or volunteer work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County or partner groups. Experience with full annual cycle of seasons preferred.
  
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and to exhibit an adequate level of respect to fellow employees and the College community at large.

Additional Information:

Supervision Received:

Administrative supervision is received from the Director of Facilities.

Supervision Exercised:

None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Able to stand, walk and move for extended periods of time (Often - 75% - 100%).
Able to bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and reach in all directions (Often - 75% - 100%)
Able to lift and carry 50 lbs. (Often 75% - 100%)
Able to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. (Often 75% - 100%)
Able to set up and operate grounds equipment (training will be provided as appropriate). (Occasional 50% to 75%)
Able to work at heights and the ability to ascend/descend ladders. (Seldom - 0% - 25%)
Will require the use of radio communication. Employees using these devices, will be required to have the ability to hear and exchange information clearly.
Able to see color.

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 1:15 pm (25 hours per week)

SALARY: $23.72 per hour

Application Instructions:

For further details, visit our website at www.oakton.edu and select the Employment link to view Employment Opportunities.

Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application. One (1) of the references must be your most recent, direct supervisor.

Oakton Community College is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, committed to employing competent, qualified individuals. Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, socioeconomic status, sex or gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation in admission to and participation in its educational programs, college activities and services, or in its employment practices.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

URL: www.oakton.edu