Position Overview

The position at Eldon Hazlet State Park will fill the need of developing, executing and presenting programs, activities and events to the general public, school groups and special interests groups. Prepares and delivers educational information designed to instill appreciation and understanding of conservation ethics, as well as instill an environmental awareness for park visitors.

Job Responsibilities

1. Under general direction, presents programs, activities and events to the general public, school groups, and special interest groups at Eldon Hazlet State Park:

• Prepares and delivers educational information designed to instill appreciation and understanding of conservation ethics.
• Gathers information to distribute to park visitors about environmental awareness.

2. Develop a familiarity with department rules, regulations, and park history:

• Develops working knowledge of park history, park geologic features and trail system by training pamphlets and exploring the state ground.
• Answers questions to the public regarding historical, ecological, and recreational aspects of the park and surrounding area.

3. Develops and implements the natural or outdoor recreational site’s interpretive program plan:

• Inspects trail conditions by walking park grounds.
• Plans evening and daytime visitor activities, which include foot, aquatic, and automotive tours.
• Prepares press releases for use by the local or area news media.
• Organizes and schedules interpretive programming efforts with area educators to maximize benefits for visiting school groups.
• Plants trees and/or prairie grass with school groups.
• Plans and constructs temporary exhibits and displays for the site’s interpretive center and makes alterations and improvements to the center.
• Maintains and updates social media outlets.
• Travels throughout the region.

4. Assists in the training of volunteers for ongoing needs or special events:

• Organizes and schedules volunteers for events throughout the park.
• Provides guidance and instruction to volunteers on proposed projects.
• Monitors projects to ensure volunteers have required equipment.

5. Interprets departmental rules and regulations regarding hunting, camping, and fishing.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in journalism, English or public speaking.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of elementary knowledge of the principles of conservation education.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency.
• One (1) year of experience using cameras, projectors, recorders, and outdoor equipment.
• One (1) year of experience presenting ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• One (1) year of experience preparing reports and keeping records on conservation education activities.
• One (1) year of experience in public speaking.
  

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Ability to pass background check.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Land Management (OLM) oversees nearly 400 individual parcels of land and institutes a wide variety of programs and activities advocating outdoor recreation through sustainable use, conservation, and preservation. The Historic Sites Division of the Office of Land Management oversees 57 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials. OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.