SUSTAINABILITY FELLOW

 Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Policy & Special Projects Manager, the Sustainability Fellow will support the day-to-day sustainability and climate resiliency activities for the District. The Office of the General Superintendent seeks a motivated candidate with strong multitasking skills, great attention to detail and strong interpersonal and written communication skills. The Sustainability Fellow will support the Green Sustainability Committee and the Office of the General Superintendent in the implementation of the Forest Preserves Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan. The Sustainability Fellow will be directly involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring sustainability projects that will meet the goals outlined in the Forest Preserves Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan. Other duties may be required. This is a part-time, year-round position, up to 20 hours per week.

Typical Duties

Provide operational support to the chair and leaders of the Green Sustainability Committee.

Track, update and report out baseline data to key stakeholders.

Track, update and report out working group progress to goals.

Assist in sustainability project management activities.

Host and coordinate events, training sessions, brown bag presentations, and community related events.

Research sustainability and climate resiliency related best practices among organizations of similar size and scope.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to work independently, to be resourceful, and to make sound judgments based on available information.

Highly organized and attentive to detail.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Ability to communicate and work well with others.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of District information.

Ability to multi-task effectively and productively.

Ability to initiate and follow through with projects under a tight deadline structure.

Ability to work a variable schedule and work effectively in a diverse, fast-paced environment with a focus on delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Ability to drive to various District locations throughout Cook County on a regular basis.

Candidates should be enthusiastic to learn about government and have demonstrated a substantial commitment to excellence as evidenced by one or more of the following: academic honors, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and/or involvement in community or public service.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.

YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN A WRITING EXERCISE ON THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.