Classification: Full-time
Department: Homer Lake

Work Location: Homer Lake Forest Preserve (Homer, IL)
FSLA:  Non-Exempt
IMRF: Eligible
Hours: Typical work hours are 7:00am-3:30pm, unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.   

Pay: Grade 7: $55,300 - $80,091. Starting pay at base of range. 

Benefits: 2024 Summary of Benefits 

Position Summary

The Assistant Site Superintendent is responsible for assisting the Site Superintendent in all areas of administration of the preserve. This includes, but is not limited to, daily operational and maintenance tasks, natural resource management, short-term and long-term planning of capital projects and equipment needs, and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the Homer Lake Forest Preserve Site Superintendent. This position may supervise other staff as well as volunteers. 

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

· Ensure general park areas, trails, the Kickapoo Rail Trail, maintenance areas, and facilities are kept in neat and orderly condition at all times. Provide support to maintenance workers and seasonal staff by participating in maintenance work as needed.

· Safely use, maintain, and repair powered and non-powered equipment and tools such as tractors, backhoe, skid steer, three point attachments, power tools, and other specialized equipment.

· Develop daily work plans for staff and volunteers in consultation with the Site Superintendent and in his/her absence.

· Train, coach, and evaluate staff and volunteers as directed by the Site Superintendent.

· Plan, implement, and coordinate inter-departmental projects within the preserve.

· Assist the Site Superintendent with planning capital projects and capital equipment purchases. Provides input on the annual budget process.

· Research alternatives and prepare estimates of labor and equipment needs as requested.

· Inspect grounds, buildings, and other facilities and report the condition to the Site Superintendent to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

· Assist with the implementation of management plans for the preserve.

· Assist visitors with general questions regarding the preserve and other District sites. Explain and enforce District rules and regulations as they relate to use of the preserve and its facilities. Listen and respond to visitor concerns.

· Aids facility renters and special use permit holders as necessary (may include weekends). 

· Accepts on call duties as assigned. 

· Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties

• Keep statistics and prepare reports on      projects and activities as requested.
• Evaluate and propose ways to improve the      effectiveness of operations within the preserve.
• Assist with various District functions as      needed.
• Assist with various natural resources and      construction related projects as needed. 

Minimum Education and Experience

· High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in parks and recreation, natural resources, forestry, or related field preferred. 

· Minimum of three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a park, forest preserve, or other public recreational area required. Supervisory parks and recreation management experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Homer Lake Forest Preserve as well as throughout the District.

· Strong customer service skills and the ability to successfully interact with persons of all backgrounds and abilities. 

· Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the practices and equipment associated with the operations and maintenance of the preserve and its facilities. 

· Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.

· Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.

· Demonstrated good safety awareness.

· Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

· Valid driver’s license is required.  Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) within 12 months of employment.

· Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

· Must possess, or have the ability to learn, a working knowledge of the District’s rules and regulations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the 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, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 100 pounds to carrying height. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

· Work boots

· 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. 

EOE 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.