Prairie Farm Leader

Job Details: Job Location: Prairie Farm - Champaign, IL, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $15.75 - $15.75Hourly, Prairie Farm Leader

Champaign Park District – Seasonal, Non-Exempt (not to exceed six months)

About the Job

Love working outdoors, helping others learn, and caring for animals? As a Prairie Farm Leader, you’ll play a hands-on role in bringing Champaign Park District’s Prairie Farm to life. This seasonal position supports daily farm operations, assists with educational programming, and helps create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for visitors of all ages.

Summary of Responsibilities

Assist with educational programs and activities at Prairie Farm
Provide daily care for farm animals, including feeding, cleaning, and following care procedures
Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal areas, facilities, and farm grounds
Interact positively with participants, visitors, and caregivers
Support special events, seasonal activities, and projects as assigned
Follow all Park District safety policies and operational procedures
Use equipment and supplies responsibly
Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
Attend required meetings and training sessions
Perform physical tasks such as lifting (up to ~40 lbs), walking, bending, and repetitive motions
Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and Park District values
Comply with equal opportunity and harassment policies
Perform other duties as assigned

Why Work With Us?

Gain hands-on experience with animal care and outdoor education
Build skills in teamwork, communication, and public engagement
Enjoy meaningful work in a unique farm setting
Be part of a supportive, mission-driven Park District team
Great opportunity for students, nature enthusiasts, and aspiring educators

Benefits Summary

Seasonal, non-exempt employees receive:

Training opportunities provided by the Champaign Park District
Certifications available, including First Aid, AED/CPR, Mandated Reporter, and Harassment Prevention
Valuable professional experience in parks, recreation, and environmental education

About the Champaign Park District

The Champaign Park District is dedicated to enhancing community quality of life through parks, programs, and facilities that promote recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. Prairie Farm is a key part of that mission, offering hands-on learning experiences that connect people to agriculture, nature, and sustainability.

Who This Position Is Ideal For

This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, interacting with the public, and caring for animals. If you’re at least 16 years old at the time of hire, dependable, energetic, and interested in agriculture, education, or environmental work, you’ll thrive as a Prairie Farm Leader.

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

 
Qualifications:
Minimum age of 16 at the time of hire. 
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions 
Ability to follow instructions, established procedures, and safety protocols 
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, participants, and the public 
Ability to perform physical tasks required for animal care, facility upkeep, and program support 
Prior experience working with animals, outdoor education, or agriculture preferred but not required