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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA JOBS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Education Program Specialist I (Part Time)

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Champaign County, IL, USA · Mahomet, IL, USA
Posted on Jan 10, 2026
Description

Classification: Part-time

Department: Museum and Education

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

FSLA: Non-exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Hours: (1296 hours) April to mid-November: 30 hours per week, mid-November to March: 18 hours per week. Typical work hours would be between 8:30am-3:00pm Monday-Friday.

Salary Range: Grade 4: $19.40 - $23.75; starting wage is $19.40

POSITION SUMMARY

The Education Program Specialist I assists with the development, 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.

Supervisory Relationships

The Education Program Specialist I is supervised by the Education Program Specialist II. This position supervises volunteers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

· Teach school programs and assist with developing and publicizing school programs.

· Assist with training seasonal employees and volunteers engaged in all aspects of the cultural/historical youth programs of the Department.

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

· Collaborate with staff on the development of interpretive themes, exhibit-related hands-on activities, and outreach materials for area schools and related groups.

· Contribute to a long-range education plan and for the implementation and coordination of these programs based on the District’s Interpretive Plan.

· In coordination with the Education Program Specialist II, contact, supervise and create training materials for program volunteers.

· Participate in the creation and implementation of new programs as assigned, and as guided by the District’s mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.

· Assist with establishing short- and long-term action plans in accordance with District’s mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.

· Develop, publicize, present and evaluate cultural/historical day camp programs. Assist programming staff to serve groups such as scouts, and day care centers.

· Perform all job tasks in compliance with the District’s 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 in American history, education and/or material culture is strongly preferred.

· Knowledge of local history strongly preferred.

· Experience teaching children in some capacity.

Skills and Abilities

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· 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.

· Moderate skill in the use of Microsoft Office.

· Fluent and able to communicate in English—bilingual skills a plus.

· Valid driver’s license required.

· CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or the ability to become certified within 12 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

· Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt

· Respirators or masks

· Earplugs or ear covers

· Protective gloves

· Safety goggles or glasses

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.

The work environment also requires adherence to Public Health (CDC, IDPH and CUPHD) recommendations.