Farm Museum Program Assistant-Railroad Museum Model Train Specialist

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

Job summary

The Museum Program Assistant at the Railroad Museum under Bensenville Park will help develop and maintain the model railroad display and assist with tours, programs, and museum operations. Hours are 10-20 hours per week, primarily daytime with some evenings and weekends, and may include work at Fischer Farm.

CPR/First Aid training provided. Responsibilities include welcoming visitors, leading interpretive programs, assisting in the gift shop, and ensuring a positive, safe experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• English language fluency required; Spanish helpful.
• Experience with model trains and ability to design/build/maintain a model train layout.
• Experience leading programs in a museum/education setting.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming environment for visitors.
• Build and maintain the model railroad display and other exhibits.
• Lead and assist interpretive programs at Fischer Farm and The Bensenville Railroad Museum.
• Operate the gift shop and assist with sales and restocking.
• Open/close facilities and assist with event setup and teardown.
• Assist with facility rentals and ensure positive visitor experiences.
• Support light administrative tasks and clerical duties as needed.
• Support animal care tasks and maintain safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Excellent phone manners

Good verbal and written communication

English language fluency

Willingness to work outdoors

Able to lift 30 lbs

Education

High school diploma

College degree

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

The Museum Program Assistant at the Railroad Museum is responsible for building and maintaining the model railroad display as well as 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. The Railroad museum assistant may also assist with museum operations at Fischer Farm.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Create a warm and welcoming environment. Greet Railroad Museum Visitors in a pleasant and cheerful manner, in person and on the phone.
• Build and maintain the museum’s model railroad display and other exhibits.
• Assist with and lead, as necessary, interpretative programs at both Fischer Farm and The Bensenville Railroad Museum, with an emphasis on agriculture, history and environmental education, for individuals and groups of all ages, including families, scout groups, school groups, preschoolers, birthday party groups, and adults.
• Work in the farm gift shop using accurate cash handling skills, processing of sales and restocking of shelves.
• Open and close buildings per established procedures.
• Set up and monitor private facility rentals and ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
• Work occasional weekend and evening special events.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma required. College degree preferred.
• Must have extensive experience running model trains and be able to design, build and maintain a model train layout as directed.
• Experience leading programs in a nature center, farm, garden or museum environment or other informal education environment.
• Good computer skills.
• Excellent phone manners.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• English language fluency required. Bilingual Spanish helpful.
• Willingness to work outdoors giving tours
• Able to lift 30 lbs, walk up and down steep stairs, navigate uneven ground outdoors.

JOB STATUS Part time DEPARTMENT Museum FSLA STATUS Non-Exempt

SALARY $16.00-$18.00.00 per hour

HOURS 10-20 hours per week including evenings and weekends

Tagged as: REC