Natural Areas member, under the supervision of the Natural Areas Manager, is a 450-hour service position responsible for: Collecting and cleaning seed from native plant species. Spraying and mixing herbicides (training and certification provided). Cutting and removing non-native plants with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws. Requirements Must be 18 years (+) with valid driver’s license. Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days (paid for by BCCD). Some knowledge of native and invasive plant species. Physical Functions and Equipment Used Lift and carry, bend, and reach. Go up and down stairs. Lift and carry 50lbs. Safely operate hand tools and landscaping tools such as drills, chainsaws, clearing saws, walk-behind mowers, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, and shovels. Use a computer, smart phone, copy machine, and other office equipment. Working Environmental Conditions Serve outside in all types of weather conditions. Serve in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects. Serve a flexible schedule that may vary from week to week or even daily. Serves primarily weekdays, but may have occasional evenings or weekends. Serve with proper personal protective equipment (provided). Serve as part of a crew. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here . Member Duties Collecting and cleaning seed from native plant species. Spraying and mixing herbicides for invasive plant species. Cutting and removing non-native trees and shrubs with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws. Propagation and planting native species, both in the field and in a greenhouse setting. Operating hand tools and office equipment. Other natural areas management and administrative duties as assigned. Program Benefits Training Living Allowance Education award upon successful completion of service Terms Car recommended Permits attendance at school during off hours Permits working at another job during off hours Service Areas Environment Skills Environment Team Work Trade/Construction Communications General Skills Summary Program Type: AmeriCorps State / National Program: Natural Resource Management- Dekalb Forest Preserves Program Start/End Date: 05/11/2026 - 08/31/2026 Work Schedule Summer Education level Some college Age Requirement Minimum: 18 Maximum: None Program Locations ILLINOIS Languages English Accepting Applications From 03/10/2026 To 05/01/2026 Contact Josh Clark 200 N Main St Sycamore IL 60178 779-212-2496 jclark@dekalbcounty.org Listing ID 128843 #J-18808-Ljbffr