Program Coordinator

Provides visitors with enjoyable, interactive, and educational experiences at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, sparking a lifelong appreciation and curiosity for plants and nature in children, adults, and families.

( Include, but are not limited to the following)

• Provides basic instruction to program and field trips participants on various topics, including but not limited to botany, nature, environmental science, and culture
• Learns projects through verbal, written, or demonstrated instructions in order to teach projects and ideas to children, families and adults
• Involved in program set up, clean up, and supervision
• Prepares education carts and pop-up programs including set-up, displays, visual aids, etc. designed to enhance participants’ experience
• Interacts with patrons and interprets information from education cart/pop-up programs.
• Trains activities leaders and volunteers on current education cart topics
• Communicates Program Department needs to Operations Manager
• Provides excellent customer service to families and program participants.
• Follows sign-in/out and medication dispensation procedures.
• Documents and reports program attendance and assists Operations Manager in determining the success of programs
• Assists Operations Manager of Education & Programming to explore new audiences and programs and plan activities calendar
• Keeps classroom and activities spaces organized and tidy
• Promotes NCG programs and general visitorship at expos and community events
• Communicates unsafe conditions, patron incidents, accidents, complaints and compliments to manager on duty
• Troubleshoots problems for customers or staff to strive to meet their needs to the best of one’s ability.
• Performs other duties as assigned

High School Diploma or GED required

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Experience:
  
  • Experience working with children/families
  • Experience in interpretation preferred

• Must be available to work weekdays, weekends, evenings
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent problem solving and listening skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• CPR and First Aid Certification (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Light Work:

• • Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force occasionally
  • Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force frequently
    
  • Exerting a negligible amount of force frequently
• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• This position is statin outdoors 99% of the time.
• Must be able to verbally communicate one - on-one and in groups.

The Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package designed to support employees' health and wellness, financial security, and overall work-life balance. Key highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
• Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
• Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.

Financial Security

• Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage
  
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.
  
• Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses
  
• Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.

Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Perks

• Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.
  
• Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more
  
• Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options

This robust benefits package reflects the District’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.