Nature Day Camp Educator

Classification: Seasonal

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) (Homer, IL) FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Not Eligible

Pay: Grade 1: $16.43 - $23.80; starting pay at base of range.

Hours: Normal work hours are 8:30am-3:00pm Monday – Friday, late May through early August; however, the role requires flexibility to accommodate evening or weekend work as needed.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Nature Day Camp Educator assists with implementation and evaluation of nature day camps and school programming.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

The Nature Day Camp Educator is under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Program Specialist II.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

• Lead teaching efforts in environmental programs by preparing materials, setting up and breaking down teaching areas, and leading campers through activities.
• Collaborate on volunteer training initiatives to ensure they are well-equipped to contribute effectively.
• Assist in developing and delivering pop-up, community-inspired youth programming that engages and reflects local interests.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Greet and record visitors of the Homer Lake Interpretive Center; answer the phone and perform other office duties as assigned.
• Staff the Homer Lake Interpretive Center on Saturdays as needed
• Provide support for public programs, including setup, facilitation, and participant engagement.
• Fulfill additional tasks as assigned, ensuring adherence to the District’s Safety Manual and department training guidelines.

Minimum Education and Experience

• College level coursework or prior experience in environmental education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or related field is required.
• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred.
• Experience working with children, particularly in environmental education or interpretation, is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the forest preserves and with external constituents.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally and safely to challenging or emergency situations.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certified, or the ability to obtain certification within two weeks of employment.
• Must be fluent and able to communicate in English. Bilingual skills are a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some work is performed in a shared office suite with occasional interruptions. While performing this job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Most work will be performed outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies or herbicides/pesticides).

The employee will have frequent interaction with co-workers as well as program participants and patrons. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate is required. Prolonged standing, walking, or hiking on unpaved/uneven terrain may be required during programs. Duties may also include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and will occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 50 pounds to carrying height.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Closed toed shoes
• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles or glasses • Earplugs or ear covers

• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.