Public Programs Specialist

Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Mahomet, IL

3d • $22 - $27

About The Position

The Public Programs Specialist develops and implements cultural history programs for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds served by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. The role is in the Museum and Education Department, with programs taking place across Forest Preserves sites and an office at the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet, Illinois. The position reports to the Public Programs Manager and does not supervise employees.

The specialist plans, delivers, and evaluates public programming in support of the Forest Preserves’ and department’s missions, interpretive plan, exhibits, and collections. The role also builds community partnerships, coordinates volunteers, manages program budgets, supports visitor experience and safety, and collaborates with staff on programming, outreach, and marketing. Additional duties include office and visitor services, support for social media and the Education Collection, and assistance with school programs, day camps, interpretive materials, and exhibits.

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position of 40 hours per week, generally scheduled from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend and evening work is included, with hours adjusted flexibly according to programming needs. The position is eligible for the IMRF Pension Plan and group insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Paid leave includes sick leave, vacation leave, comp time, paid holidays, and paid family leave. Pay is $22.43–$27.46 per hour.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, natural history, environmental studies, biology, education, or a related field is required; an equivalent amount of work experience that provides comparable knowledge and skills may substitute.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience planning, developing, and implementing interpretive or educational programming.
• Strong project management skills, particularly for designing complex, multi-part programs.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to work proactively and independently.
• Creative problem-solving skills, flexibility, sound judgment, and a professional attitude.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Forest Preserves and with external constituents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including clear and concise communication in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate the Forest Preserves’ mission and vision to media outlets and interact successfully with audiences of varied backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to involve others actively in planning and problem-solving.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Fluency in English and ability to communicate in English.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to become certified within six months of employment.
• Ability to work in a shared office suite and outdoors in varied weather, with possible exposure to hazardous plants, animals, insects, and chemicals.
• Ability to talk and hear or otherwise communicate effectively.
• Ability to stand, walk, or hike for extended periods, including on unpaved or uneven terrain; perform duties involving climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; handle, grasp, or feel objects; and reach, push, or pull items.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 50 pounds to carrying height.
• Use personal protective equipment as required by job tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing programs accessible to a wide audience.
• Knowledge of the Grand Prairie region’s flora and fauna.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Museum and Education Department and other Forest Preserve District departments to maintain knowledge of the organization’s mission, activities, and strategic objectives for public program development.
• Develop, plan, execute, and evaluate public programs that advance the Forest Preserves’ and department’s missions and align with the interpretive plan, exhibits, and collections.
• Create programs for audiences of varied ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including public events, preschool programs, Scout programs, library programs, assisted living home programs, and special-request programs.
• Assess community needs and coordinate resources to improve programs.
• Establish and manage partnerships with local and national organizations to develop programming and content and promote public engagement.
• Collaborate with staff to develop, plan, execute, and evaluate interdisciplinary programs.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor public program budgets; provide annual budget recommendations to the Public Programs Manager when requested.
• Recruit, train, coordinate, and evaluate volunteers in collaboration with the Forest Preserves’ Volunteer Coordinator, including volunteer docents.
• Work with department and Forest Preserve staff on public programs and marketing and outreach materials.
• Support a positive visitor experience at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, including customer service, visitor safety, care of the center and exhibits, and building security.
• Enforce Forest Preserves’ rules of conduct and notify appropriate authorities when patrons or employees may be in danger.
• Respond promptly and accurately to safety issues, accidents, and public concerns.
• Perform work in compliance with the Forest Preserves’ Safety Manual and department training manual.
• Greet and record museum visitors, answer phones, perform office duties, and assist with center maintenance and cleaning.
• Manage the museum volunteer-docent program, including recruiting, coordinating, and training docents.
• Assist with the growth and maintenance of Museum of the Grand Prairie social media platforms.
• Work with the Public Programs Manager and curatorial staff to ensure proper care, use, and management of the Education Collection.
• Assist in developing short- and long-term action plans consistent with approved interpretive and strategic plans.
• Participate regularly in professional development, including workshops, seminars, conferences, and other educational programs.
• Assist the Environmental Education Program Specialist with school programs and day camps when requested by the supervisor.
• Assist with interpretive materials and exhibits as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible for the IMRF Pension Plan.
• Eligible for group insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Sick leave.
• Vacation leave.
• Comp time.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid family leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level