COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY AND DIVERSITY 

We strongly encourage people of color, the 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. If most of this job description describes you, then please apply.

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 (PK-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 40 hours per week. 
• The schedule for this position may be Monday-Friday, Sunday-Thursday, or Tuesday-Saturday. Schedules often change seasonally depending on programmatic needs.  
• This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays as required. 
• 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.   

• Facilitate engaging, learner-centered programs aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes 
• Assist in seasonal program and lesson development with other staff as appropriate 
• 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 professional development.  
• Use diverse, equitable, accessible, inclusive, and justice (DEAIJ) practices in lesson design 
• Demonstrate leadership following Shedd’s mission, vision, and values 
• 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 
• Minimum 1 year of 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 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 this training as needed 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Some experience designing learning experiences  
• 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. If these physical demands present a barrier to your application, please let us know.

• 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, and 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. 

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD:

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts

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.