Volunteer - Docent And Program Interpreter At The Grove

Position Type:

Volunteer GENERAL (unpaid)/Volunteer - The Grove

Date Posted:

12/12/2022

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The Grove National Historic Landmark is 143 acres of ecologically diverse prairie grove land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District. The Grove was the home of visionary horticulturist and educator, Dr. John Kennicott, who brought his family from New Orleans to settle on this land in 1836. It was here that Dr. John's son, Robert Kennicott, developed his love of nature that led to such accomplishments as exhibiting his plant and animal specimen collections at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., founding the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and exploring Russian America that led to the purchase of Alaska. Because of its rich history, The Grove was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1976. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Grove is a partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chicago Wilderness.

Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie / Tyner Center is comprised of a 32 acre remnant tallgrass prairie and wetlands, nature trails, exhibits, a prairie "teaching garden" and a "green" building and is committed to enjoying and preserving the prairie.

The Grove and Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie / Tyner Center rely on the work of volunteers to ensure each visitor has a wonderful experience. You can share your love of history and nature in a rewarding environment. Children under the age of 15 are eligible to volunteer but are required to be accompanied by an adult for all training and service.

Work Location:

The Grove Buildings and Grounds, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL 60025

or

Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie / Tyner Center, 2400 Compass Road, Glenview, IL, 60026

Purpose of the Position:

To support the mission of the Grove

DOCENT, Program Interpreter School Groups and/or Scout Groups

When: Weekdays and/or weekends

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., or, Air Station Prairie, 2400 Compass Rd. Glenview

Minimum commitment: 2 Hours per month

DOCENT, History Tour

When: Weekends year round

Tuesday & Thursday during the summer

Minimum commitment: 2 Hours per month

DOCENT, Science Interpreter

When: Weekends

Minimum commitment: 2 Hours per month

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for providing historical and/or environmental programming and interpretation to school groups, tour groups, events, site programming and general visitors.

• Conduct tours of the facilities and trails

• Demonstrate and explain historical period activities

• Provide general information to public about facilities and exhibits

• Handle and present exhibit animals including snakes and turtles for specific programs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Age 16 and older. Children age 8 -15 are eligible to volunteer and are required to be accompanied by an adult for all training and service

• Education: Preference given to individuals with education or background in history, science or environmental education

• Experience: At least one year relevant work experience and previous experience working with school age children desired

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communicate effectively in speaking, reading and writing in English

• Strong public speaking and/or presentation skills.

• Willingness to wear period appropriate clothing for historical programs.

• Willingness to learn historical material and period activities.

• Willingness to learn local natural history and wildlife information.

• For specific programs: willingness to handle and present exhibit animals including snakes and turtles

COMMITMENT EXPECTED

• 2 Hours per month

TRAINING

• Complete training and support provided