Thank you for your interest in working at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
The Nature Museum is an equal opportunity employer with more than 75 staff members in the following areas:
(Job openings, if any, are listed at the bottom of the page.)
- Biology
- Collections
- Volunteer
- Conservation
- Education Department
- Public and Community Programs
- Student and Teacher Programs
- Exhibits and Design
- External Affairs
- Development
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Membership
- Finance and Administration
- IT/IS
- Museum Operations
- Facilities/Maintenance and Custodial
- Museum Shop and Cafe
- Special Events/Facility Rental
- Visitor Services
Current job openings:
Museum Educator
Reports to: Educational Leadership Team
Status: Full Time
Start Date: September
Organization Description: The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum serves as an urban gateway to nature and science. Located in an eco-friendly building amidst abundant wildlife and nature in Lincoln Park, hands-on exhibitions allow visitors of all ages to connect with regional wildlife and public programs that inspire green living and sustainability. With a history that spans more than 150 years, the Academy’s conservation efforts study, explore and protect urban wildlife and the unique natural history of the Great Lakes Region. Today, collaborative conservation programs include citizen science initiatives, native habitat restoration and one of the region’s largest environmental education programs.
Position Summary: The Museum Educator position entails the development and implementation of onsite and offsite nature and environmental education programming for a wide variety of audiences varying in ages from preschool to adults.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement age appropriate curriculum and activities for Museum education programs both on- and off-site.
- Collaborate with education team members to seek out new opportunities and partnerships that promote the Museum’s mission and reach new and diverse audiences.
- Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate.
- Collaborate and develop a relationship with the teachers, parents, students, and other members of the communities we serve.
- Create partnerships and collaborate within the Museum, the community and with other outside organizations to design creative Museum education outreach programs.
- Evaluate existing and new programs.
- Assume a leadership role for programs or initiatives when appropriate.
- Teach science and nature to a diverse audience.
- Teach nature and environmental based student programs (pre-K to High School) to visiting school groups from Chicago and its surrounding areas.
- Provide Chicago youth and their families with experiential, educational enrichment through off site programs that encourages family exploration to local Museums.
Department Role
- Support all regular functions of the Education Department as assigned.
- Some weekends and evenings are required.
Brief List of Qualifications:
- Knowledge of general science, nature, and the environment.
- Working knowledge of MS Office, Outlook, Windows XP. Dreamweaver and Photoshop a plus.
- Ability to present science content to a diverse population of learners.
- Ability to physically transport and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
- Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Knowledge of Spanish is preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively with other educators, volunteers, and Museum staff.
- Ability to handle live animals after training.
- Ability to travel to off-site programs. Valid driver’s license is required. Access to own vehicle preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
Minimum Education Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field.
- Formal/workplace based training in the field of education.
Minimum Experience Required:
- One year experience working in a formal (classroom) or informal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting strongly preferred.
- Experience working with K-12 grade students in an educational/recreational setting preferred.
To apply:
Fax, email, or mail resume and cover letter to:
Rafael Rosa
Vice President of Education
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Fax: 773-755-5199
Email: rrosa(at)naturemuseum.org
No phone calls. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Guest Services Associate
Status: Part-Time
The Guest Services Associate is responsible for the direct day-to-day floor experience for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum visitors to ensure that all aspects of the visitor experience are fully met.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work in museum exhibit and guest spaces assisting visitors in various capacities including:
- Admissions, Butterfly Haven Exhibit, School Groups, Coat Check, Museum Store and Café, mail and package delivery.
- Work at Admission desk utilizing the VISTA ticketing program.
- Follow through on established policies, procedures, and departmental objectives.
- Assure that customer service related issues and standards are maintained and/or resolved.
- Follow through with reports about exhibit malfunctions; visitor behavior and needs; museum employee needs and/or questions.
- Strong customer service based integrity.
- Ability to multi-task and problem solve in a fast-pace environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must be flexible and willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Act as a member of the Emergency Response Team
- Assist during down time with other departmental needs i.e. cleaning of café and admission desk area,
- Consistent maintenance of work areas to remain clean and organized.
- A demonstrated commitment to nature, conservation and community improvement.
Essential Physical Functions
- Must be able to carry boxes of up to 20 lbs and some light movement of tables and chairs.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to assist in First Aid when needed.
Minimum Education Required
- High School Diploma/GED required. Concentration in Communications, Customer Service, and/or interest in the Life Sciences a plus.
To apply: Fax, email, or mail resume and cover letter to:
Peggy Ryan
Guest Services Manager
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Fax: 773-755-5199
Email: pryan@naturemuseum.org
No phone calls. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
