Visitor Services Associate

Classification: Part-time

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: 

Primary: Museum of the Grand Prairie (Mahomet, IL) & Interpretive Center (temporarily at Penfield, IL;  starting 2028 at Homer, IL). Secondary: other Champaign County Forest Preserve facilities  

FSLA Status: Hourly, Non-exempt

IMRF Pension Plan: Not eligible

Insurance Benefits: Not eligible

Paid Time Off: Sick leave, comp time, and IL Paid Leave for All Workers Act

Hours:  Varied daily hours as scheduled between 8:30am to 5:30pm, 40-70 hours per month. Weekends and some holidays will be required. The Museum is closed on Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Select evenings based on programming hours. 

Jan-Feb: Museum is closed to the public, schedule and hours are flexible during this time. 

Pay: Grade 3; typical starting pay is $18.48/hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Visitor Services Associate is responsible for managing customer service for both individual visitors and groups, including telephone inquiries, entry orientation, gift shop sales, administration support and general information requests for the Museum of the Grand Prairie and the Interpretive Center. 

Supervisory Relationships

The Visitor Services Associate is supervised by the Visitor Services Office Supervisor. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Greet and assist visitors to the museum and interpretive center. Collect and record visitation numbers and information. Answer telephone, direct messages and requests to appropriate staff. 
• Ensure the security of the museum, including using security cameras to monitor exhibit spaces and enforcing Visitor Guidelines when necessary. 
• Open and close museum and interpretive center on scheduled workdays. Checking exhibits, doors, interactives, audiovisuals and security systems. 
• Share in light housekeeping duties such as dusting, running vacuum, cleaning restrooms, cleaning display cases, window glass, etc. 
• Provide a positive experience for visitors at the museum and interpretive center by enforcing Forest Preserves’ rules of conduct. 
• Assist museum staff in tasks related to gift store management, bookkeeping, data entry and/or secretarial work. Assist in routine purchases of office supplies. 
• Act as sales associate for museum gift shop, including preparation of a daily record of sales and reconciling cash drawers. 
• Assist with inventory records for all merchandise, consignment work, and complete end-of-the-year inventory. 
• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the Forest Preserves’ Safety Manual and the department training manual. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Previous retail and/or customer service experience is desired.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact with the public, staff and volunteers in a positive, enthusiastic manner. Fluent and able to communicate in English—bilingual skills a plus.
• Knowledge of, or ability learn, point of sale systems. Basic math and money handling skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to have a good awareness of safety, particularly in challenging or stressful situations.
• Familiarity with standard office procedures, including basic proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness and ability to become certified within 12 months of employment (training is provided by the Forest Preserves).

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed indoors at a shared desk in a public museum setting with numerous interruptions. The employee will have frequent interaction with the general public. While performing this job, the employee will regularly utilize standard office equipment, including a computer and telephone. The employee may be exposed to chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies).

This position is primarily sedentary and will involve prolonged sitting. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and will occasionally lift upwards of 25 pounds to shoulder height. The ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Closed toed shoes
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please Note: Studies have shown that people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women and other excluded or historically excluded people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role. 

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.