TITLE: Sr. Teen Conservation Leadership Staff
DEPARTMENT: Learning Programs
REPORTS TO: Manager, Teen Programs
STATUS: Part-time/Temporary, Non-Exempt 
PAY RATE: $17.50/hr.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:   
The Sr. Teen Conservation Leadership Staff is a position available for high-school-aged learners who are between 15 -19 years old (15-year-olds will need to acquire a Work Permit from their schools). Teen Conservation Leadership Staff will take part in work related to the conservation of local aquatic ecosystems, as well as planning and implementing a youth environmental summit. Through this role, Sr. Teen Conservation Leadership Staff will perform hands-on, skill-building tasks, network with Shedd staff and Shedd partner staff, and take part in different professional development opportunities.   Additionally, they will provide guidance and peer mentorship to other participants. They help set a positive example, support group projects, and contribute to a collaborative and welcoming team culture. 
 
TIME COMMITMENT:

• September 19, 2026 – May 1, 2027(only 4 absences allowed except for extenuating circumstances); Sept. 19 is a required orientation day. 
• 7.5 - 8 hours per week  
• Shifts for this position will take place on Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for the duration of the role.  
• No shifts will take place on Oct. 31, Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 2, Jan. 16, and March 27. 
• This position will work at Shedd and in off-site locations across the city.  Transportation to off-site locations will be provided or coordinated by Shedd staff. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values  
• Learn about conserving local aquatic ecosystems alongside peers
• Actively participate in all activities and discussions  
• Take part in self-directed project work with support from Shedd Learning staff  
• Collaborate with group members on a project  
• Participate in the authentic day-to-day work of Shedd partner staff  
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability  
• Model professionalism, collaboration, and responsibility 
• Collaborate with internal and external partners  
• Independently research topics related to the conservation of local aquatic ecosystems and assigned projects  
• Fulfill other duties as required  

CORE DUTIES OF THE SR. TEEN MENTOR ROLE: 

• Participate in stewardship activities at local natural areas to learn about conservation issues and help restore local habitats   
• Work with Learning staff to organize and execute team-building activities  
• Lead end-of-day reflection discussions  
• Provide guidance and support to assigned project groups of 4-5 Teen Conservation Leadership participants (help with backwards planning, organize check-in meetings, provide technical support). 
• Help your groups deliver project outputs focused on creating solutions to improve conservation issues affecting local aquatic ecosystems 
• Plan and implement a youth environmental summit to raise awareness of local conservation issues, advocate for solutions, and celebrate nature with other teens, Shedd staff, and partners 
• Participate in professional development exercises and discussions led by Shedd staff supervisors and career experts 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Previous participation in a Teen Council Board, Teen Work Study, or After School Matters Shedd Internship season  
• Currently enrolled in high school or homeschool equivalent  
• Strong interest in conservation, sustainability, developing solutions to conservation issues, and facilitating/teaching others about these topics  
• Willingness to learn new skills  
• Ability to work productively in a team environment to accomplish common goals  
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to a team  
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English   

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 take part in programming at off-site locations that may include walking on uneven terrain, kayaking, using tools, and other equipment.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• The work environment may include the following sensory triggers: large crowds, unusual smells, unusual noises that 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   

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Accrued Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program
• Employee discounts
• Employee Tickets 

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 jobs@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.