Sustainability Fellow - Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Who: Forest Preserve District of Cook County

What: 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. $17/Hourly.
Typical duties include:

• 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.

Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, Sustainability, and/or other Environmental related degree program from an accredited college or university. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate (master’s degree or higher) degree program at an accredited college, university in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, Sustainability, and/or other Environmental related degree program. Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
Preferred: Possession of two (2) or more years of professional work experience in a sustainability and or climate resiliency related position
Knowledge and Skills:

• 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.

Apply here.