Shedd Aquarium
Part-Time Learning Facilitator (Temporary 2-Years)
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY AND DIVERSITY
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active-duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for any role. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).
SUMMARY
The Learning Programs Department develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regular visit and provides opportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs including students, teachers, teens, youth outside of school and families. This programming includes, but is not limited to, camps, school experiences, teacher professional development, out of school time programming for youth and teens and family engagements both at Shedd Aquarium, in off-site locations as well as in online environments.
The Learning Facilitator’s primary role is to deliver programming that is tailored for learners including students (K-12), youth, teachers, families, adults, and middle school and high school teens. Facilitators utilize learner-centered facilitation strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place in it, and actively seek out relevant content knowledge. The Learning Facilitator will implement programs while working with other team members as appropriate. The Learning Facilitator will assist in daily setup and any preparation that is needed before and after each program. The Learning Facilitator demonstrates ownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration. They actively participate in reflective activities as it relates to their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible for facilitating learning experiences at Shedd, in the field, in local communities and in online environments.
POSITION SALARY
Starting Pay: $20.00 per hour
TIME COMMITMENT
Approximately 24 hours per week.
This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays as required. Schedules often change seasonally dependent on programmatic needs.
This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in offsite locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Shedd’s mission, vision and values
Facilitate engaging, learner-centered programs aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes
Stay current on relevant best practices (instructional strategies, content areas, etc.)
Utilize resources such as live animals, local natural areas, technology and other tools
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
Work with various audience groups on teams or independently
Maintain resources, materials and programming spaces
Continually incorporate assessment data in program facilitation.
Participate in project-related and skills-based training
Collaborate with internal and external partners
Actively participate in your own professional development.
Use diverse, equitable, accessible, inclusive and justice (DEAIJ) practices in lesson design
Fulfill other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for this position.
Required Qualifications:
Pursuing or holding a Bachelor’s degree in education, life science, environmental science, museum studies or a related field, or equivalent experience detailed in resume and cover letter
Some experience engaging with learners in formal or informal settings
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs
Willingness to implement programs in water and/or in wilderness settings
A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid driver's license
Read, write, speak and comprehend English
Communicate professionally with various audiences
Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas
Solve problems using available information and resources
Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writing, presentation and spreadsheet applications
Learn new technology and new computer applications
Willing to be CPR and first aid certified (advanced wilderness/outdoor training required in some situations); Shedd will provide these training as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with students, teens, youth and/or families from Chicago communities or other urban areas
Experience with culturally relevant science education practices and instructional strategies
Experience facilitating environmental education and conservation-based programming
Experience working with diverse audiences
Bilingualism (Spanish/English preferred)
Experience facilitating outdoor program activities such as canoeing, hiking, snorkeling, camping, kayaking and other water-based experiences, etc.
Comfort working in team-based environments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This is an active position. Staff will be required to move around the aquarium to various exhibits and workspaces each day. Stairs and elevators are available.
Able to facilitate program activities, including but not limited to: using a tablet or computer, using common laboratory equipment, recreation equipment, and field related gear and equipment.
Applicants must be comfortable in deep water and must be able to pass a swim test within 6-months of being hired. The swim test must be administered by a certified lifeguard. This test will be scheduled by the applicant.
Swim Test Components:
Swim 200 meters without difficulty (any stroke, no time limit)
Tread water for ten minutes without difficulty (deep water, no touching sides or bottom of pool)
If this is a barrier to your application, please work with us to discuss avenues for developing these skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment may include the following sensory triggers: large crowds, unusual smells, unusual noises-which may be loud, low or moderate, temperature changes, changes in lighting, staff may get wet or dirty, and outdoor elements.
SHEDD WAY CHARTER
As ONE SHEDD, the Learning & Community team is expected to deliver an exceptional experience for other team members, staff, volunteers and internal and external guests. Each team member should demonstrate the Shedd WAY charter qualities including, but not limited to:
Professional appearance
Positive body language
Seeking learner engagement
Listening and responding to others’ needs
Taking pride in Shedd
Delight in the animals in our care
Learning about and respecting those you work with
We are all learners, teachers and have connections to our animals. Whatever the position, we do it with a sense of stewardship, quality, integrity and respect. In Learning Programs, we strive to create a strong team that represents the diversity of our learners.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at humanresources@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active-duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for any role. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).
SUMMARY
The Learning Programs Department develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regular visit and provides opportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs including students, teachers, teens, youth outside of school and families. This programming includes, but is not limited to, camps, school experiences, teacher professional development, out of school time programming for youth and teens and family engagements both at Shedd Aquarium, in off-site locations as well as in online environments.
The Learning Facilitator’s primary role is to deliver programming that is tailored for learners including students (K-12), youth, teachers, families, adults, and middle school and high school teens. Facilitators utilize learner-centered facilitation strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place in it, and actively seek out relevant content knowledge. The Learning Facilitator will implement programs while working with other team members as appropriate. The Learning Facilitator will assist in daily setup and any preparation that is needed before and after each program. The Learning Facilitator demonstrates ownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration. They actively participate in reflective activities as it relates to their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible for facilitating learning experiences at Shedd, in the field, in local communities and in online environments.
POSITION SALARY
Starting Pay: $20.00 per hour
TIME COMMITMENT
Approximately 24 hours per week.
This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays as required. Schedules often change seasonally dependent on programmatic needs.
This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in offsite locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Shedd’s mission, vision and values
Facilitate engaging, learner-centered programs aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes
Stay current on relevant best practices (instructional strategies, content areas, etc.)
Utilize resources such as live animals, local natural areas, technology and other tools
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
Work with various audience groups on teams or independently
Maintain resources, materials and programming spaces
Continually incorporate assessment data in program facilitation.
Participate in project-related and skills-based training
Collaborate with internal and external partners
Actively participate in your own professional development.
Use diverse, equitable, accessible, inclusive and justice (DEAIJ) practices in lesson design
Fulfill other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for this position.
Required Qualifications:
Pursuing or holding a Bachelor’s degree in education, life science, environmental science, museum studies or a related field, or equivalent experience detailed in resume and cover letter
Some experience engaging with learners in formal or informal settings
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs
Willingness to implement programs in water and/or in wilderness settings
A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid driver's license
Read, write, speak and comprehend English
Communicate professionally with various audiences
Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas
Solve problems using available information and resources
Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writing, presentation and spreadsheet applications
Learn new technology and new computer applications
Willing to be CPR and first aid certified (advanced wilderness/outdoor training required in some situations); Shedd will provide these training as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with students, teens, youth and/or families from Chicago communities or other urban areas
Experience with culturally relevant science education practices and instructional strategies
Experience facilitating environmental education and conservation-based programming
Experience working with diverse audiences
Bilingualism (Spanish/English preferred)
Experience facilitating outdoor program activities such as canoeing, hiking, snorkeling, camping, kayaking and other water-based experiences, etc.
Comfort working in team-based environments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This is an active position. Staff will be required to move around the aquarium to various exhibits and workspaces each day. Stairs and elevators are available.
Able to facilitate program activities, including but not limited to: using a tablet or computer, using common laboratory equipment, recreation equipment, and field related gear and equipment.
Applicants must be comfortable in deep water and must be able to pass a swim test within 6-months of being hired. The swim test must be administered by a certified lifeguard. This test will be scheduled by the applicant.
Swim Test Components:
Swim 200 meters without difficulty (any stroke, no time limit)
Tread water for ten minutes without difficulty (deep water, no touching sides or bottom of pool)
If this is a barrier to your application, please work with us to discuss avenues for developing these skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment may include the following sensory triggers: large crowds, unusual smells, unusual noises-which may be loud, low or moderate, temperature changes, changes in lighting, staff may get wet or dirty, and outdoor elements.
SHEDD WAY CHARTER
As ONE SHEDD, the Learning & Community team is expected to deliver an exceptional experience for other team members, staff, volunteers and internal and external guests. Each team member should demonstrate the Shedd WAY charter qualities including, but not limited to:
Professional appearance
Positive body language
Seeking learner engagement
Listening and responding to others’ needs
Taking pride in Shedd
Delight in the animals in our care
Learning about and respecting those you work with
We are all learners, teachers and have connections to our animals. Whatever the position, we do it with a sense of stewardship, quality, integrity and respect. In Learning Programs, we strive to create a strong team that represents the diversity of our learners.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at humanresources@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.