Farm Museum Program Assistant-Exhibit Assistant

BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT•Bensenville, IL

4d•$16 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

Designs engaging, educational exhibits that interpret the history of agriculture and railroads for diverse audiences. Works collaboratively with museum staff to ensure exhibits are historically accurate, visually compelling, and interactive for visitors of all ages. Will also assist with leading classes, programs, tour, daily museum operation tasks, customer service functions and administrative duties as assigned. Hours are typically 10-20 hours per week and take place primarily during daytime hours. Includes some evenings and weekends. Hours may fluctuate with season, program and/or museum needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent GED required.
Experience leading programs in a nature center, farm, garden, or museum environment.
Good computer and social media skills.
Excellent phone manners.
Good verbal and written communication.
Excellent editing skills and proficiency with Canva.
English language fluency required.
Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Able to lift 40 lbs., walk up and down strains, navigate uneven ground outdoors.
Able to interview in-person at Fischer Farm (16W680 Old Grand Ave, Bensenville, IL 60106).
Must already be living in and able to work in the United States with a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to travel between park district facilities; Fischer Farm, Deer Grove Leisure Center, the Bensenville Railroad Museum, etc.; during shift hours.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred.
Foreign language skills (i.e. Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, etc.).
Arts and crafts skills.
Special interests in agriculture, US history between 1800-present, museum studies, social sciences (anthropology, sociology, communication, etc.), conservation, education, or parks and recreation.

Responsibilities

Create a warm and welcoming environment.
Greet Fischer Farm and Bensenville Railroad Museum visitors in a pleasant and cheerful manner both in-person and on the phone.
Design exhibits for both the farm and the Railroad Museum, including developing exhibit concepts, researching historical content, creating layouts and graphics, and coordinating fabrication and installation.
Assist with, lead, and develop interpretative programs and field trips at Fischer Farm and the Bensenville Railroad Museum, with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for individuals and groups of all ages.
Work in the gift shop using accurate cash handling skills, processing of sales and restocking of shelves.
Open and close buildings per established procedures.
Set up for and monitor private facility rentals and ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
Lead curated birthday party programs and other rental programs as needed.
Work occasional weekends and park district special events, including but not limited to: Harvest Fest, Monster Mash, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, Fischer Farm Fiber Arts and Quilt Show, etc.
Assist with farm decoration and special event preparation including but not limited to: decorating the farm for Christmas, prepping crafts for Harvest Fest, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, etc.
Maintain cleanliness throughout the facility, assisting with light cleaning such as dusting and sweeping.
Assist with necessary clerical work and program preparations as requested by staff.
Assist with animal care tasks as needed.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
Assist with, lead, and design off-site outreach programs with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for groups of all ages.
Drive park district vehicle with program participants safely secured (18+ years of age).
Represent the park district at community tables and events as needed.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.