SITE SERVICES SPECIALIST II

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Site Services Specialist 2 for the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. The Site Services Specialist will oversee and participate in the research, planning, implementation and demonstration of interpretive programs, conduct tours of the site, participate and train site maintenance staff in the proper handling, cleaning and repair of artifacts, and numbering and cataloguing of historical items The ideal candidate will be possess supervisory experience, maintenance experience, public speaking experience, writing experience and relationship building experience. Bishop Hill was the site of a utopian religious community founded in 1846 by Swedish pietist Eric Janson (1808-1850) and his followers. Many consider the Jansonist emigration as the beginning of Swedish America. A number of historically significant buildings have survived and are scattered throughout the village. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate site interpretive programs
• Serves as designated lead worker
• Oversees costume and genealogy programs
• Assists Site Superintendent in coordination and planning of site maintenance
• Organizes and participates in the fabrication of exhibits and educational materials
• Maintains and inventories the site's artifacts
• Oversees various reports related to Bishop Hill
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skills and abilities equivalent to a bachelor's degree with courses in history, archaeology, anthropology, cultural science, park and recreation programming, liberal arts, or museum studies supplemented by four years of related historic site interpretive program coordination or functional supervisory experience. Related experience may be substituted for college education, but completion of high school or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate is a minimum educational requirement. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of working knowledge of the principles and practices of site administration, including site interpretation, natural and/or cultural resource conservation, genealogical research methods, curatorial techniques, structural grounds maintenance, public relations, and personnel administration. 
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of American and Illinois history.
• One (1) year of experience expressing ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. 
• One (1) year of experience evaluating interpretative program effectiveness and to make recommendations on policies and procedures.
• One (1) year of experience performing independent research to assure accuracy in restoration and interpretation of historic sites.
• One (1) year of experience assigning, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate staff. 
• One (1) year of experience making minor repairs to artifacts.
• One (1) year of experience preparing organized programs to inform and entertain site visitors.
• One (1) year of experience using tools and materials in the maintenance and care of historical artifacts, building and grounds. 

Employment Conditions

Applicants must possess the ability to meet ALL of the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position: The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws, and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Ability of lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in buildings without adequate heat and air conditioning.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statements

DNR 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; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions. 

Office of Land Management

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 56 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials.  OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.