Public Program Specialist
Champaign County Forest Preserve District
Part-Time (3/4 time)
Description:
The Public Program Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing natural history programs, and occasionally cultural history programs, for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds served by the Homer Lake Interpretive Center within the Museum and Education Department.
Department: Museum and Education
Hours: April through October: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; November through March: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, Sundays and an occasional holiday will be required depending on program needs.
Supervisory Relationships: This position reports to the Museum and Education Department Assistant Director. The position supervises volunteers.
Job Responsibilities:
Essential Functions
- Coordinate within the Museum and Education Department and all departments throughout the Champaign County Forest Preserve District (“District”) to maintain sound knowledge of our mission, activities and strategic objectives for the development of public programs.
- Develop, plan, execute, and evaluate public programs that further the District's mission and the Museum and Education Department’s mission according to its interpretive plan, exhibits, and collections, and connects 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 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, library programs, and special request programs.
- Assess community needs and coordinate resources to enhance programs.
- Establish and manage strategic partnerships with local and national organizations to develop programming/content and to facilitate public engagement with the Department's mission and programs.
- Collaborate with the staff at the Museum of the Grand Prairie to develop, plan, execute, and evaluate interdisciplinary programs.
- Develop, maintain, and monitor the spending of budgets for public programs. Make annual budget recommendations to the Museum and Education Assistant Director as requested.
- Recruit, train, maintain, and evaluate volunteers, working closely with the District Volunteer Coordinator.
- Collaborate with Department and District staff (e.g. Marketing Coordinator, Site Superintendents, etc.) on the development of public programs, and marketing and outreach materials.
- Staff the Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) to ensure a positive guest experience, including customer service, visitor safety, care of the Center and its exhibits, and building security.
- Enforce District rules of conduct and inform appropriate authority if patrons or employees are in danger. Respond promptly and accurately to safety issues, accidents, or concerns of the public.
Secondary Duties
- Greet and record visitors of the HLIC, answer the phone and perform other office duties. Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of the Center.
- Manage the District's Frog Call Survey citizen science program.
- Assist with the growth and maintenance of the HLIC's social media platforms.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Director and the curatorial staff to ensure proper care, use, and management of the Education Collection. Assist with maintaining education program live animals as requested.
- Assist with establishing short and long term action plans in accordance with the interpretive and strategic plans approved by the District.
- Regularly participate in professional development, including attending and/or leading workshops, seminars, conferences, and other educational programs.
- Assist the Environmental Education Program Specialist in the presentation of school programs and day camps as requested by supervisor.
- Assist with interpretive materials and exhibits as requested.
Qualifications:
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree required. Degree in natural history, environmental studies, biology, heritage interpretation, or related field preferred.
- Knowledge of Grand Prairie region flora and fauna required.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience preferred in the planning, development, and implementation of interpretive/educational programming. Experience in developing programs accessible to a wide audience is preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong project management skills, especially as it relates to designing multi-part, complex programs.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently.
- Creative problem solving skills; flexibility and excellent judgment; professional attitude.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, especially in a team environment.
- Ability to successfully communicate the District's mission and vision to a variety of media outlets, and to successfully interact with audiences of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Actively involve others in planning and problem solving.
- Microsoft Office experience is required.
- Valid driver's license is required.
- Must be fluent and able to communicate in English. Bilingual skills are a plus: proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or French preferred.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is primarily performed within a nature center setting 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 or fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies or herbicides/pesticides). Prolonged standing, walking, or hiking on unpaved/uneven terrain may be required during programs. The employee will occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 50 pounds to carrying height.
To Apply:
Applicants must submit the online application and upload a letter of interest and resume. For full consideration, applications should be received no later than July 10, 2017. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until the position is filled. However, no hiring decision will be made prior to July 10, 2017. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at fbell@ccfpd.org or 217-586-3360. Successful completion of a criminal background check, a driver's license abstract, and a pre-employment health assessment/drug screen will be required for all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
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