Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator –
Rockford Park District

Location: Nicholas Conservatory, Rockford, IL.

Summary: 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.

• Provides basic instruction on botany, nature, environmental science, and culture to program and field trip participants.
• Teaches projects and ideas to children, families and adults through verbal, written, or demonstrated instructions.
• Involved in program set‑up, clean‑up, and supervision.
• Prepares education carts and pop‑up programs, including set‑up, displays, and visual aids to enhance participant experience.
• Interacts with patrons and interprets information from education cart/pop‑up programs.
• Trains activity 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 program success.
• Assists Operations Manager in exploring new audiences and programs and planning activity calendars.
• Maintains classroom and activity 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 the manager on duty.
• Troubleshoots problems for customers or staff to meet their needs to the best of one's ability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Age Requirement:
  Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Experience working with children/families.
• Preferred experience in interpretation.
• Must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent problem solving and listening skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (obtainable through the Rockford Park District).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Light work; may require exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally or 10 pounds frequently.
• Ability to lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, and lift moderately physically intensive tasks.

• Position is mostly outdoors (≈99% of the time).
• Requires verbal communication in one‑on‑one and group settings.

The Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package supporting health, wellness, financial security, and work‑life balance, including:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Wellness Programs.
• Retirement Plans (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, pension with voluntary contributions and 457(b)).
• Life Insurance (Employer‑paid AD&D and optional voluntary coverage).
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, holidays, personal days, bereavement).
• Employee participation program and exclusive discounts.

The Rockford Park District is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.