Classification: Part-Time

Department: Museum and Education

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

FLSA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Not Eligible

Hours: Scheduling is flexible with an expected 15 hours of work per week. Work shall typically be performed between the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and an occasional holiday may be required depending on department needs.

Salary: $16.00-$23.17/hr. Starting pay is at base of range.

Position Summary

The Collections Assistant will work closely with the museum’s Curator of Collections, Exhibits Collections Coordinator and other staff to assist with daily operations and support various collections activities and projects.

Supervisory Relationships

The Collections Assistant is supervised by the Curator of Collections and Exhibits and has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but may work closely with volunteers to complete tasks.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

· Perform a variety of tasks related to maintaining and improving collections processing, cataloging, research, storage, photography, and/or organization. 

· Assist with monthly monitoring duties in collections, including gathering environmental monitoring data, inspecting and setting insect traps, and cleaning work and storage spaces. 

· Assist with regular cleaning of exhibits. 

Secondary Duties

· Perform all job tasks in compliance with all Collections core and guiding documents, the Forest Preserve’s Safety Manual and the Department training manual. 

· Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

· High school degree or equivalent required. 

· College level coursework in history, library or museum studies, archaeology, or closely related field is preferred. In lieu of college level coursework, the Forest Preserve will also consider candidates who have had relevant work or life experience. 

Skills & Abilities

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, safety awareness and judgment.

· Must be highly organized and possess excellent attention to detail. 

· Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Some work will be performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or wind. 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 will regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds to shoulder height or above. 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.

Some work will also be performed indoors in a shared office suite with moderate interruptions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly use a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment. 

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

• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles or glasses

• Respirator or masks 

• Closed-toe shoes

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.