Nature Center Assistant

Naperville Park District•Naperville, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Overview: Under the direct supervision of the Nature Center Manager, the Nature Center Assistant is responsible for providing support to the Nature Center Manager and Interpretive Naturalist staff. This includes preparing, planning, organizing, and supervising summer camp programs, performing a variety of customer service functions, and providing animal care. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assist Nature Center Manager and Interpretive Naturalist staff in the following program areas: Nature Camps, Family Programming, Special Events, and projects. Provide care for live animals including feeding and tank cleaning. Follow procedures to open and close Knoch Knolls Nature Center for front desk shift. Provide an exceptional customer service experience and promote District services and facilities. Assist customers on the phone and in person with all processes and questions. Successfully process point of sale items.. Ensure confidential use of customer information, including credit card transactions. Successfully balance receipts, reconcile transactions, and prepare bank deposits as needed. Act as a resource agent for community by taking initiative to seek and share information. Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with residents, customers, vendors, and community partners and coworkers. Communicate effectively with patrons and staff regarding safety concerns. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Record and communicate any difficult situations or behaviors to the Nature Center Manager. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Interest in interacting with children and adults.
Comfortable with live animals, including snakes, turtles, fish, salamanders and insects.
Ability to display professionalism with patrons.
Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of basic computer software including Microsoft platform and ability to troubleshoot Kiosk.
Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction from supervisor.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum one (1) year of experience working with children, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within two (2) months of hire.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Subject to both office and outside environmental conditions.
Subject to modified/flexible work schedules, including weekend and evening hours.
Ability to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing ≤ 30 lbs on a weekly basis. Lifting assistance is required when lifting > 30 lbs.
Manual dexterity to manipulate recreation program equipment.
Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking.
Regular onsite attendance is an essential function of this position.

Responsibilities

Assist Nature Center Manager and Interpretive Naturalist staff in the following program areas: Nature Camps, Family Programming, Special Events, and projects.
Provide care for live animals including feeding and tank cleaning.
Follow procedures to open and close Knoch Knolls Nature Center for front desk shift.
Provide an exceptional customer service experience and promote District services and facilities.
Assist customers on the phone and in person with all processes and questions.
Successfully process point of sale items.
Ensure confidential use of customer information, including credit card transactions.
Successfully balance receipts, reconcile transactions, and prepare bank deposits as needed.
Act as a resource agent for community by taking initiative to seek and share information.
Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with residents, customers, vendors, and community partners and coworkers.
Communicate effectively with patrons and staff regarding safety concerns.
Record and communicate any difficult situations or behaviors to the Nature Center Manager.
Other duties as assigned.