Forester I

Description

Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a leading philanthropic institution investing more than $75 million annually in Chicagoland, with a focus on improving economic opportunities on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Foundation is named for its donor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick’s estate, which today provides educational and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s western suburbs.

The 500-acre Cantigny estate includes McCormick’s Home and Gardens, which host dozens of programs and events annually for nearly half a million visitors; the First Division Museum, a military history museum that tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, beginning in World War I, in which Col. McCormick served, to present; and Cantigny Golf, a 27-hole public golf course and a 9-hole short course, perfect for children and families.

Position Summary

The Forester I is a climbing Arborist position responsible for the care and maintenance of over 20,000 trees and shrubs located within the 500-acre estate of Cantigny Park and Cantigny Golf. The Forester I assists the Forestry Manager and Lead Forester with the identification, coordination, and facilitation of all tasks related to forestry and arboricultural operations, assists with training and development of seasonal personnel and forestry interns in all tasks related to forestry and arboricultural operations, and applies McCormick Foundation values to achieve its mission effectively and efficiently, while providing a safe, educational, and aesthetically pleasing experience to its visitors. This position also serves as a successor for landscape, trail, and production responsibilities through a structured knowledge-transfer period with senior forestry staff and performs field work previously supported by contract labor.

Essential Functions 

• Perform ‘at height’ tasks as a primary climber and aerial lift operator, to prune tree canopies, remove hazardous or broken branches, perform rigging operations, whole tree removal, and any other tasks that require an arborist to be at height in accordance with ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations.  
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of trees, hedges, and shrubs at Cantigny Park and on the Cantigny Golf Course. These responsibilities may include pruning, watering, mulching, spraying (pesticides when applicable), air spading, and whole tree removal in accordance with ANSI A300 Tree Care Standard Practices.  
• Builds productive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and affiliated external partners with the ability to alter current tasks to participate in associated events.  
• Follows and enforces all safety standards regarding PPE requirements and equipment used in tree work operations: chainsaws, power pole saws, wood-chipper, skid steers, mini skid steers, stump grinders, chip truck, and aerial lift trucks operated in accordance with ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboriculture Operations and OSHA Standards 1910.132.  
• Participates in the Forestry departments safety committee, which requires the coordination and training of the Horticulture department’s general safety guidelines appropriate for seasonal changes, weather events, Cantigny Park events, and the safe operation of tools and equipment according to OSHA and industry standards.  
• Actively participates in the rejuvenation of Cantigny’s natural areas. Long term monitoring and the annual removal of invasive species via Herbicide, mowing, the use of chainsaws and handsaws, controlled burns, and the reintroduction of appropriate native species.  
• Utilizes knowledge and experience to properly execute a PHC (Plant Health Care) Program under the supervision of more senior forestry staff. Makes informed decisions on proper tree and plant selection, assesses current or future tree site conditions, monitors and diagnoses tree and shrub health, determines corrective action, and makes informed decisions on the use or reduction of pesticides in accordance with ANSI A300 (Pt. 10) Integrated Pest Management under the supervision of more senior staff.  
• Preferred:  Proficiently uses GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to maintain Cantigny’s tree inventory, monitor long-term health of trees and shrubs, schedule work orders, track work history, track health patterns, and establish treatment schedules due to pests, diseases, or changes in site conditions.  
• Responsible for the installation, breakdown, and storage of Holiday lighting for Cantigny Park.  This includes working at height tied into a tree, operating an aerial lift, or utilizing ladders.  
• Engages with park guests through planned events and answers casual questions while working within the park.  
• Supports the Horticulture department, and the Visitor’s Services department for tasks that contribute to the success of special events.  
• Assists with the maintenance of the Cantigny woodchip trail, landscape beds, and tree rings.   
• Learns and assumes landscape, trail, and production management responsibilities through a structured knowledge-transfer period with senior forestry staff, including site assessments, annual work cycles, and production expectations.  
• Performs landscape, trail, and production tasks previously supported by contract labor, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and schedule reliability.  
• Documents work completed, site conditions, and procedures in the GIS tree inventory and department standard operating procedures to preserve institutional knowledge.  
• Assists with the management of the Forestry storage yard by consolidating the woodchip, compost, soil, and mulch piles, organizing equipment implements, shipping pallets, and general tidiness to provide safe traffic flow in the yard.  
• Attends workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay abreast of changes in the field of arboriculture and horticulture. Maintains ISA Arborist Certification, Pesticide Applicator License, and other certifications as assigned by the Forestry Manager.  
• Task flexibility due to other duties as assigned. Historically this has included: Setup and breakdown of special events, installation of drainage, restoration of reclaimed lumber, assisting other departments with heavy equipment as needed. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education:  Required High School Diploma or equivalent, Preferred: AAS Horticulture or related field, or equivalent hands-on field experience. 

Certifications:  Preferred: ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist Credential,          Preferred: TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) Certification, CPR / First Aid Certified or able to obtain in 12 months.   

Licenses: Preferred: Illinois Pesticide Operators/Applicators License or ability to obtain in 6 months. Valid Driver’s license or ability to obtain in 6 months. 

Experience: Minimum (3) Years Forestry, Climbing / Aerial Lift Experience, or equivalent education

Skills:   

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite.  
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred  
• Able to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with Horticulture staff and other departments.  
• Physical fitness requirements:  
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds regularly. (Up to shoulder height.)  
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 100 pounds occasionally.   
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of terrain and all types of weather.  
• Must be able to work standing or kneeling for up to 8 hours per day.  
• Ability to perform heavy manual and semi-skilled tasks for extended periods of time.  
• Must be able to communicate with the Forestry Manager,, Lead Forester, and crew. Must understand written and verbal instructions when given.  
• Preferred having experience leading and participating in Resource management burns.  
• Must be proficient with the care and light maintenance of forestry equipment and tools.  
• Ability to climb trees up to 90 feet and perform work  
• Ability to use aerial lift truck to perform tasks at height  
• Must have knowledge and ability to train staff effectively in the latest climbing techniques and equipment  
• SRS (Static Rope System)  
• MRS (Moving Rope System)  
• Aerial Rescue  
• Rigging Operations at height and from ground  
• Must be proficient in the operation of all forestry tools and equipment.  
• Chainsaws, Chipper, Power Pole Saw, Brush Cutters, Stump Grinder, Wood Splitter, Aerial Lift Truck, etc.  
• Must be proficient in or be willing to be trained in the operation of all horticulture heavy equipment Including:  
• Backhoe, Skid Steer, Mini-skid Steer, Articulated Loader, Tractors (with Trailer, woods mower, snowplow, rototiller, salt spreader), various snow removal equipment  
• Must be available to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays.  This includes being on call for storm damage, and emergencies. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

• Coordinates assigned projects with seasonal personnel and forestry interns and directs ground personnel during tasks at height. 
• Works on the Forestry Department safety committee which requires coordination and training of general safety training and public speaking. 

Working Conditions 

This full-time position requires adaptation to diverse working conditions.  While office work is performed within a traditional context, there are numerous duties, special events, projects, plantings, field monitoring, scouting, tree removals and pruning’s which must take place in the elements.  Summer heat, rain, cold winter temperatures and snow are all commonplace for the Forester. Other conditions may include working on diverse terrain, heights up to 90 feet, exposure to poisonous plants, stinging insects, and loud noises that may exceed 120 Db. May also require working weekends, evenings, and Holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.