Veteran Intern

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionTitle: Veteran Intern
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Horticultural Therapy
Reports to: Manager, Veteran Internship Program
Seasonal Full-time, 12 weeks

Position Overview:
Work under supervision in assigned Garden Department while participating in the Veteran Internship Program to create a plan for transitioning to the civilian workforce. We are looking forward to welcoming nine participants to join the program for the 2025 season, anticipated start date May 19, 2025 until August 8, 2025.

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/internship/veteran

To assist in the day-to-day functions of an assigned Garden department. Garden departments may include:
• Accounting
• Camp CBG
• Display Gardens
• Interpretive Programs
• Science Conservation

You will work under supervision and receive individual and small group assistance to:
• Create a civilian job market résumé and cover letter
• Develop a professional online presence via LinkedIn
• Practice interview skills and professionalism
• Explore career choices
• Learn how to search for employment

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

• Assisting and supporting the department in which you are working.
• Being an enthusiastic and positive contributor to the Veteran Internship Program.
• Completing Veteran Internship Program curriculum.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

VALUES

As an organization, we…

BEHAVIORS

As an organization, we…

Prioritize a culture of GROWTH.

We commit to remaining curious in how we approach our work.

• Create and maintain spaces for learning.
• Test new ideas and are willing to take risks to achieve our vision.
• Collaborate to strengthen our skills and impact.
• Demonstrate perseverance and humility as we work toward our long-term impact.

Seek to UNDERSTAND.

We seek to understand others from their perspective.

• Provide opportunities for input and feedback from others.
• Actively listen to all points of view.
• Consider individuals’ lived experiences.
• Advocate for and protect time for reflection especially during times of conflict or confusion.

See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE.

We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support.

• Give others the space to balance work and personal needs.
• Support others and demonstrate empathy especially during challenging and stressful times.
• Seek opportunities to learn from and about one another.
• Ask questions about and anticipate the needs of others.

Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY.

We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people.

• Communicate information in a timely manner.
• Provide clarity in complex situations with the goal of common understanding.
• Discuss both positive and negative outcomes openly.
• Evaluate the impacts of our actions.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Veteran status.
• Must be able to provide DD Form 214 with application during application process.
• Ability to provide Veteran I.D.
• Available for the duration of the intern program—mid-May through end of August.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of flexibility, responsibility, involvement, responsiveness, and cooperation.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Physical Demands:

Office setting: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

Outside setting: Physical ability and stamina to walk to Garden areas. Periods of walking and standing. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items up to 30 pounds. Most of the work is conducted outside, rain or shine.

Who Should Apply?

Honorably discharged veterans seeking interim employment and guidance in creating a plan for transitioning to the civilian workforce.

Deadline:

April 30 – Applications due

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.

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