Farm Museum Program Assistant

Bensenville Park District; Bensenville (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

The Bensenville Park District is seeking a Museum Program Assistant to assist with and lead classes, programs, and tours at Fischer Farm and the Bensenville Railroad Museum. This part-time role includes customer service, gift shop duties, and event support, with 10–20 hours weekly and daytime hours, plus some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities include developing interpretive programs, assisting with private rentals, and outreach activities; CPR/First Aid certification training is provided.

Qualifications

• Must be living in the United States and able to work in the U.S.
• Fluency in English required (spoken and written).
• Experience leading programs in nature centers, farms, gardens, or museums.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs. and perform light cleaning and clerical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors warmly in-person and on the phone.
• Lead and develop interpretive programs and field trips.
• Assist with gift shop cash handling and sales, restocking shelves.
• Open and close facilities per procedures and assist with rentals.
• Lead birthday parties and other rental programs; support special events.
• Work weekends and some evenings; participate in outreach programs.
• Assist with animal care tasks as needed and support farm decorations.

Skills

Public speaking / program leadership

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

English fluency

Outdoor work readiness

Animal care tasks experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree preferred

Tools

Computer skills

Social media skills

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 FUNCTIONSCreate 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 seasonWork 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-ExemptSALARY $16.00-$18.00 per hourHOURS 10-20 hours per week, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.