Public Program Seasonal Support

Classification: Seasonal

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Homer Lake Interpretive Center (Homer, IL) & Museum of the Grand Prairie (Mahomet, IL) & other Champaign County Forest Preserves

FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Not Eligible

Starting: Grade 1: $16.43 - 23.80 per hour (starting pay at base of range).

Hours: ~10-15 hours per week. Will include weekends and evenings, with flexible hours based on programming needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Program Seasonal Support is responsible for implementing and supporting natural history programs, cultural history programs, and special events for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. This position operates within the Museum and Education Department of the Champaign County Forest Preserves.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the Museum and Education Public Programs Manager.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

Implement and provide support for public programs that further the mission of the Forest Preserves and the Museum and Education Department and connect with audiences of all backgrounds and abilities. Programs include but are not limited to public programs and events for all ages, preschool programs, programs for Scouts, library programs, and special request programs.

Assist the Public Programs Specialists and Public Programs Manager in the presentation of programs and events as requested by the supervisor.

Coordinate within the Museum and Education Department and other departments within Champaign County Forest Preserve District to maintain sound knowledge of our mission, activities and strategic objectives for the development of public programs.

Work alongside Forest Preserve staff and volunteers.

Secondary Duties

Support a positive guest experience at Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) and the Museum of the Grand Prairie (MGP); including customer service, visitor safety, care of the Center and its exhibits, and duties associated with securely opening and closing MGP and HLIC buildings.

Respond promptly and accurately to safety issues, accidents, or concerns of the public. Understand and successfully execute processes detailed in the CCFPD Emergency Response Guide

Perform all tasks in compliance with the Forest Preserves’ Safety Manual and the department training manual.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Previous program or customer service experience is desired.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent attention to detail.

Strong project management, time management, and prioritization skills.

Creative problem-solving skills; flexibility and excellent judgment; professional attitude.

Strong customer service skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the Forest Preserves and with external constituents.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; communicates clearly and concisely, especially in a team environment.

Actively involves others in planning and problem solving.

Microsoft Office experience preferred.

Valid driver’s license is required.

Must be fluent and able to communicate in English; bilingual skills are a plus

CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to become certified within six months of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in a shared office suite with occasional interruptions. While performing this job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Some 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
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Protective gloves
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Safety goggles or glasses
• 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.