The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 145 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 it's citizens.

Job Purpose

This position uses the livestock and physical facilities of Kline Creek Farm to demonstrate and educate visitors about 1890s farm life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Educate, interpret and demonstrate historical farming practices to the public through general interaction, planned events or during farm activities
• Perform daily care tasks including cleaning, breeding and husbandry of livestock, monitoring the animal's physical condition, and providing appropriate treatment
• Feed the animals including accurate weighing or portioning the feed for each
• Train and supervise farm volunteers on methods and procedures used to safely operate and maintain the farm
• Perform teamster horse driving duties including grooming, harnessing, hitching and driving the farm's horses
• Maintain and repair the farm's agriculture-related physical facilities
• Adjust and operate the farm's tractor and modern implements
• Construct new period-appropriate farm equipment or facilities
• Perform other duties as required

Schedule: This position is intermittent, working approximately 650 hours a year. Weekly schedule will vary, working 8:30m-5:00pm, including at least one weekend day a week.

Work Environment: Outdoors in all types of weather conditions; required to wear historical clothing provided by District. Employee will be responsible for wearing historically appropriate shoes.

Starting Pay: $20.13-$23.33 an hour

Education and Experience Required

Related Experience: Two (2) years experience in the daily care of farm animals and maintenance of equipment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge Of: Farm animal care in a living history setting; farm operation techniques.

Skills In: Using farm equipment, including trucks, tractors and utility vehicles; using a variety of tools; repair of mechanical tools and equipment; understanding verbal and written instructions; demonstrating and interacting with the public in a safe manner.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit 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 policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.