Duties: Under the supervision of the Visitor & Member Engagement Manager, the Maker Playologist – Workshops and Off-Site Events will be responsible for:

• Facilitate visitors’ play experiences in a welcoming, enthusiastic, and open-ended manner.
• Interact with the general public and privately booked groups, school groups, and birthday parties, and ensure an excellent experience for all visitors.
• Interact with museum visitors by answering questions about the Peoria PlayHouse Museum programs.
• Maintain a high level of understanding and knowledge of PlayHouse programs.
• Lead workshops for PlayHouse birthday parties, Park District camps, field trip groups, and others.
• Participate in off-site educational programming or community outreach and support floor staff as needed.
• Prepare materials for workshops and other programs.
• Greet people arriving at workshops in a warm and professional manner.
• Conduct evaluations, including asking pre-written questions of visitors, to get feedback on programs.
• Work with visitors on the floor and cleaning as needed.
• Perform cleaning and resetting of exhibitions for opening and closing procedures daily. Spot clean as needed.
• Report supply needs and exhibition repairs or maintenance to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Attend all staff meetings as required.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed; support all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Physically able to manage a group of children and families in the PlayHouse space and outdoors.
• The work requires periodic physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials typical of the hospitality industry.
• Prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds are required on a periodic basis.
• Must be able to bend at waist and knees in order to file and stock.
• The indoor work environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some college preferred. Experience in a similar role may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirements

Experience: Experience working with children in some capacity, formally or informally. Experience or desire to work with a highly diverse audience in a busy atmosphere. Successful completion of school science classes or the ability to learn science concepts on the job. Background in Education, Art, or Early Childhood Development a plus.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Ability to work with others to make sure programs and other educational offerings are enjoyable and successful.
• Interest in and commitment to educational best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with a minimal degree of supervisory oversight.
• Must be able to work with children of all ages, as well as adults.
• Must show interest in children and families.
• Ability to arrive on time at locations around Peoria.
• Must have excellent customer service, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain focus and professional demeanor in a highly demanding atmosphere.
• Ability to create an atmosphere of teamwork and positive energy among staff and volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers and the general public.
• Must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and innovation.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers
• Interest and commitment to the mission of the Peoria PlayHouse and the welfare of local children and families.
• Must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and innovation.
• Ideal candidates should show interest and ability to cross-train in other Part-Time Floor Staff positions, such as Admissions Attendant, Playologist, RiverPlex Playologist, and Maker Playologist in Real Tools.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.