Hourly Rate: $19.00

Accepting applications until February 5th.

SUMMARY:  
Supports Shedd’s sustainability outreach programming with a focus on the Let’s Shedd Plastic (LSP) program, which promotes alternatives to disposable plastic used in the Chicago area  to decrease plastic pollution in local waterways. The Conservation Practices Specialist will be responsible for communicating with LSP restaurants, partners, and priority communities; organizing and staffing outreach activities at events such as local farmers markets or street festivals; and organizing and ordering program supplies. This position is part-time at 24 hours per week and is hybrid, with significant travel required throughout the Chicago area as well as some time onsite at Shedd and some remote work. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.  
• Program Administration & Support:
  • Provide administrative support to Conservation Action Manager and Coordinator through program communications and organization.
  • Track metrics for achieving conservation goals in an organized and timely manner. Communicate metrics to partner organizations as needed. 
  • Work collaboratively with Shedd’s Community Partnerships & Impact team to center and support community and small business needs. 
  • Support collaborative efforts with other Shedd departments, including but not limited to the Corporate Partnerships, Learning Programs, and Marketing teams. 
• Outreach Facilitation: 
  • Work with the Conservation Action Coordinator to execute program operations, including supply management and logistics, program set-up and breakdown, transporting materials from Shedd to program locations, activity instruction, and participant monitoring and engagement.  
  • Facilitate and independently lead conservation outreach events at Shedd, in communities and online. 
  • Lead training programs and meetings for LSP restaurant staff to advance sustainability solutions and reduce plastic use. 
  • Contribute to the development and facilitation of program evaluation to measure impact. 
  • Develop new outreach activities to share conservation messaging that meets the diverse needs of different audiences.  
  • Contribute to internal engagement to educate and collaborate with other Shedd teams. 
• Community and partner building: 
  • Communicate and deepen relationships with 165+ LSP restaurant partners located primarily in the Chicago area. 
  • Initiate dialogue and shared learning among restaurant partners. Organize and facilitate resource sharing and support the development of a leadership network. 
  • Support new partnerships with innovators to assist in the introduction of reuse systems to restaurant partners and in internal food service operations. 
  • Build connections and collaborations with people and communities of various backgrounds and viewpoints toward sustainability. 
• Communications:
  • Develop new resources for LSP restaurants to reduce their plastic and move toward more sustainable alternatives and cost savings. 
  • As needed, create compelling content for Shedd’s blog and social media channels.  
  • Track and build a narrative around restaurant program outreach and impacts as facilitated by the LSP program. 
  • Build expertise on local conservation issues, plastic pollution, zero waste solutions, food systems, general sustainable practices, and other related topics.  
  • Research and share the latest news with the Conservation Action team and others at Shedd on these topics. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Education: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Science, Education, or related field or a combination of experience and education/training. 
• Experience:
  • At least one year of successful experience with project delivery, education, event planning, and/or business communications, preferably in a non-profit setting.  
• Special Knowledge/Skills:  
  • Experience in environmental conservation programming work. 
  • Experience with or understanding of the restaurant industry a plus. 
  • Familiarity or experience with conservation policy a plus. 
  • Highly organized with an attention to detail. 
  • Strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion (DEAI) goals. 
  • Demonstrated ability to handle large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 
  • Excellent written communication skills and a talent for planning and tracking data and activities. 
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite. 
• Other Skills:   
  • Positive attitude and supportive to colleagues in a team-based environment. Driven, highly organized self-starter.  
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible and positive despite challenges (e.g., weather conditions, changes in group size, etc.) 
  • Appreciation for and strong attention to detail.  
  • Passionate about the environment.  
  • Poised, articulate professional with diplomacy and a positive attitude. A lifelong learner. 
• Physical Requirements: 
  • Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 
  • Must be able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time. 
  • Must be willing and able to travel to in-person events and meetings throughout Chicago area and transport program supplies as needed.  
  • Must be able to do heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.). 
• Preferred Skills: 
  • Technology experience beyond basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technologies.  

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).