Seasonal Landscape Architect and Civil Engineer Preprofessional - May 2025 - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position assists with field work, research, planning, design, and implementation related to capital improvement projects throughout the District, while receiving on the job training to complement their education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in inventory and analysis processes gathering data on topography, soil conditions, and existing vegetation, perform plant monitoring for regulatory compliance, and analyze and stake out preliminary layout of improvements using GPS, cameras, and surveying equipment.
• Prepare hand-drawn exhibits and utilize computer-aided design software tools to draft, model, and render design concepts.
• Assist in the preparation of capital planning documents, including master plans, presentations, construction documents, specifications, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates.
• Assist in administering work order requests between District departments.
• Assist in administering contracts including conducting reference checks, preparing correspondence, attending coordination meetings, and measurement of field quantities for processing pay requests.
• Perform general administrative duties including filing, scanning, ordering supplies, and data entry.
• Participate in construction site visits and prepare construction observation reports as needed.
• Operate District motor vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs.
• Participate in public input gathering meetings and open houses as needed.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in landscape architecture, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Working knowledge of mapping and design software, including AutoCAD, AutoDesk Civil 3D, Trimble SketchUp, ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
• Basic knowledge of local native and invasive plant species.
• Strong mathematics skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Schedule: Position starts as early as 5/1/25 with an estimated end date of 8/31/25. Schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Pay: $16-20/hour.

Work Environment: Requires working indoors and outdoors. There is exposure to all weather conditions, insects and other wildlife, high vegetation, and uneven terrain.

Other Information: Position reports to District Headquarters in Wheaton.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.