District Nature & Volunteer Programs Lead

Downers Grove Park District; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO benefits

Access to 4500 Fitness

District discounts

Job summary

Downers Grove Park District is seeking a District Volunteer Coordinator to lead volunteer recruitment and oversight across the district, support land management at Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie, and assist with Interpretive Center staffing and program support.

The role involves coordinating volunteers, onboarding and training, scheduling, and collaboration with District departments; it may include teaching nature classes and front desk duties, with regular attendance and safety adherence.

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years experience working with volunteers.
• Experience teaching/educational activities preferred.
• Knowledge of local ecology, gardening, or landscaping preferred.
• Must be able to operate cutting equipment safely.
• Must have valid First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Recruit volunteers district-wide.
• Manage volunteers district-wide through recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, evaluation, retention and recognition.
• Work closely with District Department Heads for volunteer needs.
• Maintain and manage supply inventory.
• Aid in the care and maintenance of outdoor play areas, gardens, bee yard and trails by mulching, weeding, trimming, watering, planting and moving supplies.
• Remove invasive or nuisance species from trails and programming spaces
• Occasionally teach classes on nature-related topics as needed. Program audiences include parent & toddlers, schools, scouts, youth, teens and adults.
• Perform front desk duties and visitor engagement including selling services and registration help.
• Occasionally assist with the development of nature programs
• Must have regular, consistent, and predictable attendance.
• Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Supervisory staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Job may be modified at any time.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Teamwork

First Aid/CPR

Tools

Cutting tools handling

Pesticide application license

Job description

Downers Grove Park District is seeking a District Volunteer Coordinator to lead volunteer recruitment and oversight across the district, support land management at Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie, and assist with Interpretive Center staffing and program support.

The role involves coordinating volunteers, onboarding and training, scheduling, and collaboration with District departments; it may include teaching nature classes and front desk duties, with regular attendance and safety adherence.