Farm Museum Program Assistant

Bensenville Park; Bensenville (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Bensenville Park is seeking a Museum Program Assistant to help lead classes, programs, and tours at Fischer Farm and the Bensenville Railroad Museum. The role includes assisting with daily operations, customer service, and events.

Typical hours are 10–20 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends. The candidate should have a high school diploma (college degree preferred), strong verbal/written communication, and comfort working outdoors in various weather.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• Experience leading programs in a nature center, farm, garden or museum environment.
• Good computer and social media skills.
• Excellent phone manners.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• English language fluency required.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Able to lift 40 lbs., walk over uneven ground outdoors.
• Able to interview in-person at Fischer Farm (16W680 Old Grand Ave, Bensenville, IL 60106).

Responsibilities

• Create a warm and welcoming environment for visitors.
• Assist with, lead, and develop interpretative programs and field trips.
• Work in the gift shop with accurate cash handling and restocking.
• Open and close buildings per procedures.
• Set up for and monitor private rentals and events.
• Lead birthday party programs as needed.
• Participate in special events and weekend work.
• Be available to work at least 4 weekend days per month.
• Assist with farm decoration and event prep.
• Maintain cleanliness and perform light clerical tasks.

Skills

Computer skills

Social media skills

Phone etiquette

Verbal and written communication

English fluency

Outdoor work willingness

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree preferred

Job description

The Museum Program Assistant is responsible for assisting with and leading classes, programs, and tours. May also assist with daily museum operation tasks, customer service functions and administrative duties as assigned. Hours are typically 10-20 hours per week and take place primarily during daytime hours. May include some evenings and weekends. Hours may fluctuate with season, program and/or museum needs.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Create a warm and welcoming environment. Greet Fischer Farm and Bensenville Railroad Museum visitors in a pleasant and cheerful manner both in-person and on the phone.
• Assist with, lead, and develop interpretative programs and field trips at Fischer Farm and the Bensenville Railroad Museum, with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for individuals and groups of all ages.
• Work in the gift shop using accurate cash handling skills, processing of sales and restocking of shelves.
• Open and close buildings per established procedures.
• Set up for and monitor private facility rentals and ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
• Lead curated birthday party programs and other rental programs as needed.
• Work special events, including but not limited to: Harvest Fest, Monster Mash, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, Fischer Farm Fiber Arts and Quilt Show, etc.
• Be available to work at least 4 weekend days a month (mix of Saturdays and Sundays).
• Must be available to work most weekends during peak season
• Work occasional evening shifts throughout the year.
• Assist with farm decoration and special event preparation including but not limited to: decorating the farm for Christmas, prepping crafts for Harvest Fest, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, etc.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the facility, assisting with light cleaning such as dusting and sweeping.
• Assist with necessary clerical work and program preparations as requested by staff.
• Assist with animal care tasks as needed.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications. Training provided.
• Assist with, lead, and design off-site outreach programs with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for groups of all ages.
• Represent the park district at community tables and events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• High school diploma or equivalent GED required. College degree preferred.
• Experience leading programs in a nature center, farm, garden, or museum environment.
• Good computer and social media skills.
• Excellent phone manners.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• English language fluency required.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Willingness to learn and perform basic animal care tasks. Experience with animal handling preferred.
• Able to lift 40 lbs., walk up and down strains, navigate uneven ground outdoors.
• Able to interview in-person at Fischer Farm (16W680 Old Grand Ave, Bensenville, IL 60106).
• Must already be living in and able to work in the United States.
• Must be able to travel between park district facilities; Fischer Farm, Deer Grove Leisure Center, the Bensenville Railroad Museum, etc.; during shift hours.
• Preferred but NOT required qualifications: foreign language skills (i.e. Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, etc.); arts and crafts skills; special interests in agriculture, US history between 1800-present, museum studies, social sciences (anthropology, sociology, communication, etc.), conservation, education, or parks and recreation.

JOB STATUS Part time DEPARTMENT Museum FSLA STATUS Non-Exempt

SALARY $16.00-$18.00 per hour

HOURS 10-20 hours per week, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.