Visitor Services Specialist

Join the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as a Visitor Services Specialist and serve as the first point of contact for visitors seeking to explore and enjoy the county’s forest preserves. In this customer-focused role, you’ll provide essential information, process permits and reservations, and help ensure that every visitor experience starts with a warm, knowledgeable, and professional interaction.

What You’ll Do

• Greet and assist visitors in person, over the phone, by email, and through social media.
• Provide accurate information on forest preserve rules, permits, programs, and facility availability.
• Process permits for off-leash dog areas, watercraft, model craft, photography, and more.
• Coordinate shelter, campground, and recreational area reservations, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Use ActiveNet to manage availability, assist patrons with accounts, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Ensure all reservations are properly documented and include required Certificates of Insurance.
• Handle payments via point-of-sale systems, including opening, closing, and reporting transactions.
• Maintain accurate records of department activities and visitor data.
• Assist with Illinois DNR sales and manage educational loan box checkouts.
• Provide reception services for the District’s headquarters and support cross-department communication.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all patrons and staff.

What You’ll Need

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• High School Diploma/GED; 1 – 3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Familiarity with ActiveNet registration systems or similar software preferred.
• Experience with customer service, point-of-sale systems, and financial transactions.
• Experience with providing exceptional customer service and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Skilled in applying and interpreting procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Skilled in managing and prioritizing multiple tasks in a busy environment.
• Familiarity with processing financial transactions accurately using POS systems.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.
• Spanish bilingual preferred.

Schedule, Pay & Benefits

• Full-time: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 am.
• Requirement to be available to work remotely on rotating weekends over the Summer months.
• Starting Pay: $20.79 – 22.05 per hour.
• We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including medical, pension program, and more. To find out more, visit our website.

Work Setting

• Based out of the Headquarters facility in Wheaton, IL.

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.