Forest Preserve District of Cook County Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Policy Manager, the Policy Fellow will support the day-to-day policy and sustainability activities for the Forest Preserves District of Cook County ("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 Policy Fellow will support the Policy Committee, REDI Committee, Naming Committee, and the Office of the General Superintendent in a variety of research, programming, and operational activities/initiatives. Other duties may be required. This is a seasonal position, and hours may vary. Duration of this position is up to six-months (depending on weekly schedule). Typical Duties Support the day-to-day work of the Policy Manager. Provide operational support to the Deputy General Superintendent and other members of the Office of the General Superintendent. Provide operational support to the Policy Committee, Green Sustainability Committee, REDI Committee, and Naming Committee. Assist in the development of District policies and other initiatives. Assist in hosting and coordinating various meetings, events, training sessions, brown bag presentations, and community related events. Minimum Qualifications Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university OR must possess a high school diploma or GED AND at least 2 years of professional policy or research work experience in a governmental agency or non-profit agency. Must be a resident of Cook County. Preferred Qualifications Currently enrolled and in good academic standing, or have received, a master's degree or higher, in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, or substantially similar area at an accredited college or university; OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador; OR at least 1 season of work with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR at least 1 season of work experience as Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on FPCC property with partners such as, the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, or the Student Conservation Association. REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS: As an attachment to your online application, upload a Word document containing 2 writing samples with each submission being 500 words or less. Submissions should be memoranda, articles, or documents submitted for class assignments, samples used for professional use, or any substantially similar documents. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics Ability to attend meetings at locations throughout Cook County and provide own transportation. 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. 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. Veteran's Preference When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must: Meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question "Are you a military veteran?" Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911). Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview. General District Employment Requirements PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED. MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT. MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN 1 WEEK OF START DATE. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.