Museum Intern

About us

The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more .

As the Museum Fall Intern you will obtain a wide-ranging overview of Museum operations and gain experience in museum education, collections and historical research.

$15 per hour and potential for credit towards degree at a college or university.

• Position will be a 16-week position from August to December with an average of 10-12 hours per week totaling 200 hours.
• Work hours are flexible but must take place weekdays between standard museum business hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
• Occasional special events, Saturdays, and evening program hours required as well.

• Help research, develop and lead educational programs for the Downers Grove community.
• Attend special events and prepare interactive elements for events and exhibits as needed.
• Observe and assist with collections processing, updating artifacts in the museum's database and helping to complete an inventory of the museum's collection as needed.
• Greet visitors at the front desk and answer general visitor questions in order to gain an understanding of Museum visitors and their needs.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor.
• Must have regular, consistent, and predictable attendance.
• Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Job may be modified at any time.

• 18 years of age or older.
• Self-motivated.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in various settings.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Interns must be working towards a degree in one of the following fields:
  History, Anthropology, American Studies, Museum Studies or equivalent.
• The Museum prefers students who have experience volunteering for a historical organization.
• Must possess certification in CPR and First Aid, or become certified within 1 month of being hired (free training provided by the Park District if needed).
• Able to walk, stand, sit, crouch for extended periods of time, as well as occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs.

• Flexible hours and supportive coworkers.
• Collaborative and connected management team.
• Great chance to develop leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Learn life skills like time management and communication.
• Work for a Distinguished Agency Park District.

The Downers Grove Park District is an EOE.