Location: all cities,IL, USA
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.
The District's mission is, to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of itscitizens.
Job Summary
This position coordinates the activities and processes of the Office of Visitor Services including staffing, training, and ensures that visitor use of forest preserve district sites and facilities complies with all relevant ordinances, policies, and procedures. This position will recommend improvements to the District's processes, rules, regulations, and ordinances to increase efficiencies and ensure consistently exceptional visitor experiences throughout the preserves while also collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and maintaining excellent customer service in all interactions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Coordinate and oversee special use application approval, certificate of insurance approval, site operation conditions, payment processing, and finalizing issuance of special use and photography permits
* Process permit applications for all permitted facilities, reservations for visitor use of District facilities, recreation areas, and spaces that must be reserved.
* Communicate with users to ensure they understand the rules and regulations associated with the use of District facilities and ensure that reservations are accompanied by necessary certificates of insurance.
* Record and report on key performance indicators to provide insight into activities and workload of the department, and use of preserves, facilities, and special use areas.
* Provide reception and switchboard support for the District's headquarters facility and ensure adequate coverage of the office during business hours.
* Ensure timely response to all incoming communications, including in person, telephone, email, chat, and fax.
* Ensure visitor uses of preserves and facilities take place within the parameters of applicable district ordinances, rules, regulations, and fees.
* Administration of ActiveNet settings relating to facilities to ensure that public and internal users informed of available locations and amenities
* Assist patrons in establishing and troubleshooting their ActiveNet accounts and with the purchase of IDNR products related to fishing, boating, and other activities and ensure operation of IDNR equipment and completion of necessary record keeping.
* Process payments in person and over the phone and manage the opening and closing of POS system, including all necessary financial reports and accounting for cash, checks and credit card payments.
* Develop procedures and recommend changes to the operations of the Visitor Services to address changing needs of the public, increase the overall customer experience, as well as changes in ordinances, rules, and regulations.
* Assist in the development of departmental budget.
* Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and counseling in a constructive manner, and confront challenging situations directly with a positive approach, aiming to support and mentor employees in their development and progress.
* Resolve and rectify issues, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation.
* Supervise staff, including hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommending salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, corrective actions, or terminations.
* Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
* Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
* Perform other duties as required.
Requirements:
* Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
* Associate's Degree in a related field, 4-6 years of related experience with 1-4 years of direct supervisory experience (includes: training and coaching, responsible for preparing evaluation, assigning work, responsible for work of employee supervised), or equilevant combination of education, training, and experience.
* Knowledge of ActiveNet registration system or similar system.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
* Demonstrated success in organizing workflow in a busy customer service environment.
* Proficiency in developing, planning, and overseeing programs and projects, including the ability to set objectives, timelines, and performance metrics.
* Proficiency in addressing customer concerns and handling conflict resolution.
* Proficiency with the principles and practices of public relations.
* Experience handling financial transactions and budgeting.
* Demonstrated success in supervising, assigning direction to, and delegating other direct reports or staff members.
* Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands efficiently.
* Ability to interpret and communicate District information and policies to the general public.
* Establish and maintain productive working relationships.
* Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
* Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.
* Spanish bilingual preferred.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Will occasionally work weekends to provide service during District events.
Starting Pay: $57,824.00 - 65,083.20 salary per year.
Eligible for performance review and possible pay increases biannually.
Location: Office setting based out of the DuPage Forest Preserve's HQ location in Wheaton, IL.
Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts., Wellness Screenings, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), 457 Retirement Plan, up to one remote workday per week.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.