Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Recreation, plan, organize and direct a range of interpretative services with emphasis on environmental education, recreation, and history. The manager shall also manage the physical properties of the Interpretive Center including maintenance, operations, improvements, and security. Facilities include the 1869 historic Peck House containing the Nature and History Rooms, the Butterfly House, Orientation Barn, & Hawks Hollow Nature Playground.

Qualifications:

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biological Sciences, Interpretation or Recreation and 3 years full-time experience working in a related environment and 2 years managerial experience. Master’s degree preferred, experience may substitute for an advanced degree. Other desirable attributes include professional certification(s), understanding of the Midwest environment including prairie, wetland and woodland ecosystems familiarity with the principles and techniques of natural and cultural history interpretation and with environmental education curricula. Strong communication skills required, both verbal and written. Experience with public speaking and the ability to speak comfortably in public, as well with people of all ages, lead interpretative tours, and recruit and motivate staff and volunteers. Enthusiasm, reliability, ability to take initiative, ability to work independently and as part of team, and flexible schedule all very important.

Hours:

Working hours shall have varying hours, due to programs, special events, speaking engagements, tours, etc. Due to the very nature of the work, evening and weekend hours of duty are to be expected. The Superintendent of Recreation will approve hours of duty, and the employee shall be considered to be on duty whenever a need exists for his/her services.

Essential Functions:

Administrative

1.   Plan, organize & direct the recreational, educational, historical, and environmental interpretative programs for visitors to Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center.  Provide guided tours at Peck Farm Park.

2.   Supervise the acquisition & removal of artifacts as well as cataloging, storage, and preservation of such artifacts.

3.   Organize and record an up to date inventory of all materials and equipment at Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center and maintain resource files on the natural history of the park.

4.   Oversee the security at Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center.

5.   Initiate and follow through on work orders with the Parks Department for maintenance related items.

Finance:

1.   Develop and manage the annual budget for Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center.

2.   Follow all purchasing procedures and guidelines as per district policy.

Communications:

1.   Serve as liaison between the Geneva Park District, St. Charles Park District, Kane County Forest Preserve District, Chicago Wilderness, the IL Nature Preserves Commissioners, the Nature Conservancy, and various other groups. Represent the district on appropriate advisory boards and committees as directed or needed.

2.   Coordinate and/or prepare news articles, program schedules, interpretative flyers, signs, brochures, and other similar materials for PFPIC and other areas within the district with the marketing department.

3.   Conduct public speaking programs on natural areas, environmental education, and all programs related to PFPIC and other natural areas within the district. Communication, education, and promotion of PFPIC are key elements to this position.

4.   Establish and maintain communication with School District #304 and other school systems within the area concerning environmental education and use of PFPIC. Act as a liaison and coordinate all aspects of school curriculum program in regard to environmental education, natural areas, natural history and related programs.

5.   Communicate with the Superintendent of Recreation and other district staff regarding operations, programs, schedules, etc.

Personnel:

1.   Recruit, supervise, train, and provide incentives to volunteers for programs, historical research, conservation projects, school programs, plantings, and maintenance. It is a necessity that the volunteers and volunteer program be maintained and recognized for its contributions.

2.   Supervise, train, and direct personnel at Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center.

3.   Investigate, develop and implement a successful internship program.

4.   Oversee Eagle Scout requests and projects.

Planning:

1.   Serve on district’s natural area committee. Integrate monitoring programs of natural areas to provide feedback and data on the effectiveness of management strategies.

2.   Develop and manage the long-range plans for facilities, program services and open space including cost projections. Provide information to agencies and organizations regarding financial needs of PFPIC. Seek public and private sector grants.

How to apply:

Application can be accessed at www.genevaparks.org