Education Support Specialist

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie (Mahomet, IL)

FSLA: Non-exempt

IMRF: Not eligible

Compensation: Grade 2: $17.25 - $24.99; Starting salary is at base of range.

Benefits: For a listing of full-time & part-time benefits, visit the Jobs page of our website at www.ccfpd.org

Hours: 650 hours. March-October: 18 hours per week, November-February: 6-12 hours per week. Typical work hours would be between 8:30am-3:00pm Monday-Friday.   

 

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists with implementation and evaluation of cultural/historical education programming for people of all abilities and backgrounds served by the Museum of the Grand Prairie within the Museum and Education Department of Champaign County Forest Preserves (CCFP).

 

Supervisory Relationships

This position is supervised by the Education Program Specialist II. This position may supervise volunteers.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

· Teach cultural/historical education programs for children PRE-K to 12 at Forest Preserves sites and in local schools. 

· In coordination with the Education Program Specialist II, assist with all aspects of educational visits, including set-up and clean-up. 

· Assist with presenting and evaluating historical and cultural day camps. Position may also assist with program development.

· Assist with training volunteers. 

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

· Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the organizational values of Stewardship, Community, and Discovery by caring for our resources, fostering inclusive experiences, and inspiring curiosity through this position’s work.

 

Secondary Responsibilities

· Assist Education Program Specialist II with compiling various monthly and annual reports. 

· Provide input on annual budget recommendations. 

· Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

· College level coursework or prior work experience in American History, education, and/or material culture is preferred. 

· Knowledge of local history is strongly preferred. 

· Experience teaching children in some capacity required. 

 

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. 

· Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally and safely to challenging or emergency situations. 

· Excellent problem-solving ability, and strong organizational skills. 

· Ability to work effectively without direct supervision. 

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

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

· Valid driver’s license required. 

· CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or the ability to become certified within 2 months of employment. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in a shared office suite within a museum setting. 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

• 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.

  

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.

 

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.