Classification: Seasonal

Department: Museum and Education 

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL)

FSLA: Non-Exempt 

IMRF: Not Eligible 

Hours: (290 hours). Normal work hours are 8:30am-3:00pm Monday – Friday, late May through early August; however, the role requires flexibility to accommodate evening or weekend work as needed. 

 Salary Range: Grade 1: $16.76 - $20.52; starting wage $16.76

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Nature Day Camp Educator assists with implementation and evaluation of nature day camps and school programming. 

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

The Nature Day Camp Educator is under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Program Specialist II. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

• Lead teaching efforts in environmental programs by preparing materials, setting up and breaking down teaching areas, and leading campers through activities. 

• Collaborate on volunteer training initiatives to ensure they are well-equipped to contribute effectively.

• Assist in developing and delivering pop-up, community-inspired youth programming that engages and reflects local interests.

• 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 

• Greet and record visitors of the Middle Fork Activity Center; answer the phone and perform other office duties as assigned. 

• Staff the Middle Fork Activity Center on Saturdays as needed. 

• Provide support for public programs, including setup, facilitation, and participant engagement.

• Fulfill additional tasks as assigned, ensuring adherence to the District’s Safety Manual and department training guidelines.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

• College level coursework or prior experience in environmental education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or related field is required. 

• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred. 

• Experience working with children, particularly in environmental education or interpretation, is preferred. 

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. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

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

• CPR/AED and First Aid certified, or the ability to obtain certification within two weeks of employment.

• Must be fluent and able to communicate in English. Bilingual skills are a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Some work is performed in a shared office suite with occasional interruptions. While performing this job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Most 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.