Forest Preserves of Cook County

It’s official: Following today’s Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners meeting, the Forest Preserves of Cook County now account for ?more than? 70,000 acres throughout Cook County! This landmark was reached with the purchase of a 68-acre plot of land along Deer Creek in unincorporated Cook County, raising the Forest Preserves’ total holdings to 70,042 acres. More than 11% of Cook County is in the Forest Preserves, an amount equal to the land in Peoria and Springfield combined. Follow along with us this week and next as we highlight some of the incredible locations acquired throughout our 100-plus-year history. https://lnkd.in/gZniXEAZ

??Calling all communications professionals?? We are seeking proposals from experienced professionals to enhance our community engagement efforts. We’re committed to reaching diverse audiences, amplifying our conservation mission and making nature accessible to everyone. If your team has experience in communications and marketing – from staff and media outreach to social media campaigns to hyperlocal advertising to public meeting support – we want to hear from you! Join us in connecting people with nature and fostering environmental stewardship across Cook County. Job Description: - Write and/or disseminate press releases to local press, municipalities and organizations. - Identify community and demographically targeted media opportunities for advertising, and manage advertising relationships. - Create talking points for community outreach by Forest Preserves staff. - Support and/or facilitate public meetings by Forest Preserves departments, utilizing a guide document that has been developed for the Forest Preserves. - Research and write articles for the Forest Preserves newsletter, quarterly guide and other publications. - Create and/or manage social media ad campaigns focused on hyperlocal outreach. Interested in learning more? Review the full Request for Proposal: ?https://lnkd.in/eMSZ9Vx

Is your business passionate about preserving nature and community well-being? ?? Join us at the 2024 City of Chicago Procurement Symposium to learn more about connecting with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Whether you’re a small business eager to break into government contracting or an established company looking to expand your network, this event is for you. Don’t miss this chance to build meaningful partnerships! Thursday, September 5 Malcolm X College ● 1900 West Jackson Blvd 9am-3pm ● Doors open at 8:30 am Register here: https://lnkd.in/g_ywe-94

Ready to branch out into a rewarding career? ?? Join us as we partner with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative for the annual Trees & Tacos Arboricultural Career Fair where your passion for trees meets exciting professional opportunities! Whether you’re a seasoned arborist or a student eager to grow in this field, this is your chance to connect with industry experts and watch live demonstrations and equipment demos. Friday, September 6 Thatcher Woods 2-5 pm A food truck will have free tacos for the first 100 participants and there will also be a raffle at the end of the fair. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-igiCUF

How does a 70,000-acre office sound?? ? At the Forest Preserves of Cook County, our mission is to protect diverse habitats across Cook County and connect the public to nature. We offer a generous benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision insurance; vacation and paid holidays; a pension; deferred compensation; and more. Whether you’re interested in using your research and technology skills, trade skills, or playing a vital role in protecting nature and our visitors, there are plenty of ways to use your skills and advance your career while spending time in nature! Current positions include: -??????Sign Maker, $57,162/year -??????Resource Management Aide, $21.40/hour -??????Serviceman, $61,511/year -??????Payroll Coordinator, $81,987/year -??????Ecology Research Supervisor, $74,702/year -??????Resource Crew Aide, $55,399/year -??????GIS Assistant, $58,015/year -??????Paralegal I, $71,321/year Learn more about these positions and how to apply at?fpdcc.com/jobs. #Hiring?#NowHiring

Big things are happening in the Palos Preserves! Yesterday, President Toni Preckwinkle joined Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel, Senator Bill Cunningham, and other elected officials and partners to tour our largest ecological restoration project ever—both in acreage and investment. Thanks to a generous $10 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, we will restore approximately 1,100 acres of natural land as well as reconstruct portions of the largest trail system in the Forest Preserves. Improvements also include erosion mitigation and accessibility upgrades, installation of sustainable drainage structures, and improved wayfinding markers. Learn more about this exciting project: https://lnkd.in/g8fe_8fy

The sun was shining as we kicked off Earth Month at our 2nd Annual Trash Bash on Saturday with President Preckwinkle! Folks came through with electronics, Styrofoam, medications, bikes and more to sustainably—and safely—get rid of unwanted items while keeping things out of our waste stream. We are immensely grateful to our many partners for joining us for such a fantastic start to the month, and especially appreciative of all the participants who donated and helped clean up our Preserves! Interested in celebrating Earth Month with us? Find an event: https://lnkd.in/ewDpHvZW

How does a 70,000-acre office sound?? ? At the Forest Preserves of Cook County, our mission is to protect diverse habitats across Cook County and connect the public to nature. We offer a generous benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision insurance; vacation and paid holidays; a pension; deferred compensation; and more. Whether you’re interested in using your graphic or building design skills, trade skills, or playing a vital role in connecting visitors to local nature and the outdoors, there are plenty of ways to use your skills and advance your career while spending time in nature! Current positions include: -??????Associate Building Architect, $80,379 -??????Graphic Design Associate, $54,055 -??????Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Coordinator, $73,237 -??????Communications Specialist, $62,301 -??????Ambassador Animal Specialist, $54,055 -??????Fleet Technician, $65,521.09 -??????Policy Fellow (Seasonal), $21.33/Hourly -??????Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador Intern, $15.79/Hourly -??????Civil Engineering Intern, $18.45/Hourly Learn more about these positions and how to apply at?fpdcc.com/jobs. #NowHiring #Hiring #Jobs

After 13 impactful years, we say farewell to Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. While working for the Forest Preserves, Randall assisted in crafting a strategic conservation plan for the next century of the Forest Preserves. His leadership has greatly improved and strengthened our efforts toward the restoration and protection of Cook County's natural lands. Advocating for the preservation of 70,000 acres, Randall leaves a lasting imprint on Cook County's conservation. Listen to reflections on a decade of leadership and conservation in this insightful interview with WBEZ Chicago. To listen, visit https://bit.ly/42golq3.

After 13 impactful years, we say farewell to Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. While working for the Forest Preserves, Randall assisted in crafting a strategic conservation plan for the next century of the Forest Preserves. His leadership has greatly improved and strengthened our efforts toward the restoration and protection of Cook County's natural lands. Advocating for the preservation of 70,000 acres, Randall leaves a lasting imprint on Cook County's conservation. Listen to reflections on a decade of leadership and conservation in this insightful interview with WBEZ Chicago. To listen, visit https://bit.ly/42golq3.