SITE INTERPRETIVE COORDINATOR

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Site Interpretive Coordinator for the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site.  This position will conduct tours, care for gardens, livestock and crops, develop and implement site interpretive and research programs. The ideal candidate will be able to utilize their communication skills, supervisory experience, history background and knowledge, and maintenance experience.  Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 19th-century home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of our 16th president.  We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

•  Under general direction of the Site Superintendent, formulates, develops, and coordinates historical and/or cultural interpretive services and presents interpretive living history programs to visitors and special groups at Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site
•  Assists with the upkeep and maintenance of historic facilities
•  Research historical information for the Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site
•  Serves as lead worker
•  Performs curatorial functions
•  Maintains site grounds and buildings
•  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 a bachelor’s degree with courses in history, archaeology, anthropology, cultural science, park and recreation programming, liberal arts, or museum studies. Historic site programming experience may be substituted for college education, but completion of high school diploma or possession of a G.E.D. certificate is a minimum educational requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of working knowledge of site interpretation techniques and methodology.
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of curatorial practices and techniques.
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of American and Illinois history.
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of historical research methods, museum education practices, exhibit planning and construction, and restoration and maintenance functions.
• Two (2) years of experience communicating effectively with groups and local organizations, meeting the general public, answering questions and delivering planned and impromptu informational presentations.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing reports and keeping records.
• One (1) year of experience assessing site interpretive needs, translating those needs into meaningful outlets, and coordinating special events.
• One (1) year of experience using audio/visual equipment.
• One (1) year of basic knowledge of building maintenance and groundskeeping equipment.
• One (1) year of experience directing interpretive programs and to direct semi-skilled and non-skilled workers to achieve results .

Conditions of Employment

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:

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel within and outside the work location.
• Willingness to wear reproductions of historic clothing.
• Ability to work year-round in all weather conditions.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, and transport loads exceeding sixty pounds
• Requires ability to walk over rough and broken terrain

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.