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Cook County Forest Preserves Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High School Science Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

High School Science Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

High School Math Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

High School Math Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

High School Science Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

High School Math Teacher

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois Company: Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County Job Type: Part-time | Contract Company Overview Prep Academy Tutors of North & West Cook County is a premier ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook County Forest Preserves information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do cook county forest preserves jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook county forest preserves in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Cook County Forest Preserves?

The Cook County Forest Preserves are a network of protected natural areas in Cook County, Illinois, managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. They cover over 70,000 acres and include forests, prairies, wetlands, and recreational facilities. The preserves offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education. Their mission is to protect and restore natural habitats while providing public access for recreation and learning. The preserves play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and offering green space near Chicago.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for employees working in the Cook County Forest Preserves?

Employees in the Cook County Forest Preserves often balance a variety of tasks, including maintaining natural habitats, overseeing recreational areas, and engaging with the public to promote conservation efforts. Daily activities may involve trail upkeep, wildlife monitoring, organizing educational programs, or collaborating with other staff and volunteers on special projects. The work environment is dynamic, frequently outdoors, and requires adaptability to changing weather and visitor needs. Teamwork and clear communication are essential since staff often coordinate with rangers, biologists, and administrative personnel to ensure the preserves run smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest preserve worker in Cook County, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Preserve Worker in Cook County, you need knowledge of grounds maintenance, basic landscaping, and environmental stewardship, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with landscaping tools, light machinery, and sometimes certifications in pesticide application or chainsaw operation is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals interact with the public and support conservation efforts. These abilities ensure the safety, upkeep, and enjoyment of natural spaces for the community while supporting conservation goals.

What is the difference between Cook County Forest Preserves vs Park Ranger?

AspectCook County Forest PreservesPark Ranger
Primary RoleConserving natural areas, managing parks, and environmental educationPatrolling parks, enforcing rules, assisting visitors, and ensuring safety
Required CredentialsEnvironmental knowledge, sometimes certifications in conservation or forestryCPR/First Aid, law enforcement or park management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentNatural parks, forests, and outdoor settings within Cook CountyPublic parks, recreation areas, and outdoor environments
Employer & IndustryCook County government, environmental conservationMunicipal or state parks departments, law enforcement agencies

While both roles involve outdoor work and environmental settings, Cook County Forest Preserves focus on conservation and education, whereas Park Rangers primarily enforce rules and assist visitors. Understanding these differences helps job seekers align their skills and interests with the appropriate position.

What cities are hiring for Cook County Forest Preserves jobs?

Cities with the most Cook County Forest Preserves job openings:

What states have the most Cook County Forest Preserves jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cook County Forest Preserves jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cook County Forest Preserves jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook County Forest Preserves jobs are:

Infographic showing various Cook County Forest Preserves job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook 1, Culinary

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

Bonney Lake, WA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, cook, and serve food according to established recipes and standards.

  • Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by following cleaning schedules and checklists.

  • Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, broilers, grills, and steam kettles, and monitor food during cooking to ensure quality.


Job description

Trilogy at Tehaleh: Seven Summits Lodge

Against a backdrop of protected forest preserves - and the ever-looming majestic presence of Mount Rainier - Seven Summits Lodge is located within the picturesque resort-lifestyle Trilogy at Tehaleh community. With areas dedicated to dining, relaxation, fitness, games, and more, Seven Summits Lodge is a private community Club styled for the most discerning of Members.

Where: Located in Bonney Lake, a picturesque drive south from Seattle, Washington

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

New hourly full-time team members working 30 hours or more per week, will be eligible for the Company medical, dental and life insurance plans the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment.

Full-Time team members are eligible to accrue Paid Time Off ("PTO") in accordance with the Company policy at a rate of 120 hours per year.

Full-Time team members are eligible for 7 paid holidays annually.

Part-Time team members are eligible to accrue Paid Sick Leave in accordance with state guidelines.

All team members 21 years and older are eligible to participate in the J.F. Shea Co., Inc. 401(k) plan after completion of 30 days of service.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Cook 1 is a member of the Food & Beverage Team and is responsible for food preparation, cooking, and serving.ย  This position reports to the Kitchen Manager and Director of Food & Beverage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work and master one kitchen station; accepts responsibility for personal decisions and actions.
  • Ensure superior standards of service meet the requirements of guests and employees.
  • Proactive in exceeding guest satisfaction.At times it may be necessary to investigate, quickly respond to, and resolve challenges from guests or employees.
  • Follow cleaning schedule and checklist daily to ensure a clean and sanitary environment.
  • Familiar with food preparation, cooking, and serving techniques; must be able to read cooking instructions.
  • Wash, peel, cut, and shred vegetables and fruits to prepare them for use.
  • Measure and mix ingredients according to recipe to prepare soups, salads, gravies, desserts, sauces, and casseroles.
  • Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods; adjust thermostat controls to regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters, and steam kettles.
  • Observe and test foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and noticing the visual appearance.
  • Carve meats, portion food on serving plates, add gravies and sauces, and garnish servings to fill orders.
  • Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

  • Must be highly customer oriented and responsive with high need for closure.
  • Able to work under pressure and balance multiple priorities and assignments.
  • Strong team-building skills including the ability to lead, cooperate, and motivate.
  • Must be role model and able to live our BlueStar core values:
    • Honesty and Integrity
    • Respect for the Individual
    • Teamwork
    • Competitive Spirit

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

  • High School diploma, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Minimum of one year cooking experience in commercial kitchen.
  • Current Food Handlers card.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or team members.
  • Ability to think, work, solve practical problems, and make independent decisions, based on sound judgment.
  • Must demonstrate initiative and accept responsibility for decisions and actions.
  • Must be self-motivated, proactive, and a team player.
  • Must be able to pay attention to multiple details and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where continuous improvement is expected.
  • This position requires a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends.
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be available to work Wednesdays through Sundays for both lunch and dinner shifts. This position is part-time to start, with up to 30 hours per week. There is an opportunity to grow into a full-time role based on performance and business needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position typically operates in an indoor kitchen environment, but may also work at a kitchen station set up for outdoor events and be exposed to outdoor weather conditions.ย  Kitchens are housed with equipment, such as an oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, coffee machine, steamer, mixer and chef's knives.ย  The employee is frequently exposed to heat, steam, fire and noise.ย  The noise level varies and can be loud.ย  Outdoor environments may require walking on a variety of terrains while carrying items and navigating typical event obstacles, including, but not limited to, groups of people, table set ups and decorations, plants and the natural landscape.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear, taste and smell, sit, stand and walk for the duration of a work shift, bend, kneel or stoop, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Frequent hand washing is required. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.ย  The position requires manual dexterity, auditory and visual skills, and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures in a fast-paced environment.ย 

ย 

BLUESTAR RESORT & GOLF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment Type: Part Time