Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is Chicago’s oldest museum with the newest building. For more than 160 years, the Nature Museum has been dedicated to educating Chicagoans about nature and science.
Today, the Nature Museum distinguishes itself by providing more hands-on science instruction than any other museum in Chicago, and by the opportunities it provides for visitors to experience nature up close in exhibits such as its iconic Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. The Nature Museum also focuses on research, conservation and education about nature in the Midwest through participatory exhibits and programs, educational outreach, and ongoing scientific activity. Thank you for your interest in opportunities at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. All current opportunities are listed below. If there are no current positions listed, please check back often as we post job openings as they become vacant.
- Amphibian Field Conservation Technician (Part Time)
- Building Operations Assistant
- Education Programs Specialist
- Exhibits Project Manager
- Independent Contractors
Amphibian Field Conservation Technician (Part Time)
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
General Summary:
One paid part-time amphibian field technician position is available for a local conservation research project focused on reintroduced wood frogs and resident vernal pool amphibian species. The technician will conduct terrestrial and aquatic sampling of amphibian populations in six Lake County, IL forest preserve sites and may occasionally assist with a snake conservation project as time permits. The technician must be comfortable handling live amphibians with nitrile gloves on, identifying larvae and eggs of amphibians, and collecting noninvasive disease swabs from target species. Field work for the position will generally occur 5 days per week (M-F) for up to 400 hours total, spanning from early/mid March through late July/early August 2023 (allowing some flexibility of end dates). Weekly hours will vary depending on amphibian activity and weather, with longer hours earlier in the season during peak amphibian migration and breeding windows. Some weekend work may be necessary early in the season during peak amphibian breeding migration (typically late March/early April). Please note that the exact start date is weather dependent. Compensation is $16.00 per hour with mileage reimbursement at the government rate, for travel between study sites. A personal vehicle is necessary for travel to and from study sites.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Amphibian Field Conservation technician will be trained to maintain and check terrestrial and aquatic funnel traps, drift fences, and pitfall traps for amphibian captures, collect morphometric data and health swabs for captures, set and maintain automated frog call recorders, record environmental variables, and conduct egg and larval surveys. The technician will help set up and check pond enclosures to monitor hatching success of target species for a translocation study. The technician will also assist with data collection for a large-scale vernal pool phenology collaborative study. Field work will take place in six forested wetland preserves about an hour north of Chicago. The technician will be responsible for maintaining detailed daily field notes on weather conditions and activities, recording data, and entering data into Google Sheets spreadsheets. The technician may have the opportunity to assist with other herpetological field work. The technician will gain valuable skills with amphibian field sampling techniques, photo-mark-recapture studies, disease surveillance, and applied conservation projects. Some independent field work will be necessary following training as other field projects begin, so the technician must be comfortable working independently, off-trail in field sites.
Essential Job Functions:
- Handling, catching, identifying, and measuring amphibians via coverboards, drift fences, and visual encounter surveys
- Handling, capturing, identifying, and swabbing amphibians for disease surveillance
- Monitor egg masses in field sites with accurate notes and assist with some egg mass translocation
- Traveling between field sampling sites in personal vehicle and decontaminating sampling gear between sites
- Maintain accurate data sheets and field notes
- Recording environmental conditions
- Data entry into Google Sheets
Additional Responsibilities:
Because this position is based at multiple field sites, applicants must have a personal vehicle for use for travel to and from field sites. The ideal candidates will be comfortable working in the outdoors with abundant biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy. The technician must effectively communicate with the Curator of Herpetology and forest preserve agency personnel regarding project details. The technician must be able to effectively communicate about the field projects with the public as the field sites are forest preserves with other restoration contractors, hikers, bicyclists, etc. The technician may participate in Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum-related activities as necessary, but the technicians are primarily field-based. The technician will perform other duties related to the field project as assigned. The technician will be required to follow forest preserve contractor guidelines and museum guidelines in regard to COVID-19 safety policies that may include wearing a face mask and distancing during field work.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be able to lift and carry at least 35 lbs. (e.g. 5-gallon buckets containing water, help to move pond enclosures) through off-trail habitat by foot; basic knowledge of local fauna or willingness to learn; must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, rain, heat, cold, etc.; must be tolerant of insect bites (because of its toxicity, DEET-based repellents cannot be used when working with amphibians and reptiles); proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel and Word/Google Docs/Google sheets; flexibility regarding meetings, and situations as they arise; must be willing to work independently or as part of a two-person team; training will be provided for all activities.
Education Requirements:
B.S. in wildlife biology, biology, ecology, environmental science or a natural resource related field (with relevant course work-ideally herpetology/aquatic ecology)
Preferred Experience:
Previous experience working with wildlife and/or conducting scientific research; field-based wildlife handling experience; past experience with wildlife ecological studies, including, amphibian sampling or reptile sampling; possess knowledge of Illinois fauna, particularly amphibians and reptiles, preferred ability to identify frogs by call.
Additional Requirements:
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and vehicle
- Must be comfortable with amphibians, snakes, coyotes, ticks, mosquitos, gnats, deer, rodents, birds, spiders, and the occasional human in the sites
- Note that two worksites do not have a restroom facility and others have rustic latrines
- A strong work ethic and a good sense of humor are ideal
How To Apply:
Please apply at: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/bcf93cead3a7-amphibian-field-technician
No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.
Building Operations Assistant
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Reports to: Building Operations Manager
Summary of Position:
As the Urban Gateway to Nature and Science, the Chicago Academy of Science / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum prides itself on a clean, well functioning, and safe museum environment that connects people to nature and inspires audiences to learn more about the world around them. The Building Operations Assistant performs in all facets of building operations, from HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical maintenance to exhibit and special event support. This full-time, hourly position is primarily located at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park with occasional work located at the museum’s Collections facility in the Ravenswood neighborhood.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform maintenance, repair, and troubleshoot lighting issues including ballast and daily lamp changing
- Routinely perform upkeep and repair of all building systems
- Control and adjust HVAC system via direct digital control, utilizing computer programs
- Light service and maintenance of building plumbing as well as effect general plumbing fixture repairs in staff and public restrooms
- Light electrical repair, carpentry, and renovation work
- Service and maintenance of Judy Istock Butterfly Haven environment mechanicals
- Maintenance and repair of small equipment, electric, and gas motors
- Assist with the construction, setup, and strike of temporary exhibits
- Assist with building maintenance issues at off-site Collections facility
- Assist in the setup and breakdown of AV equipment/lighting and seating for presentations, meetings, and special events
- Intermittent assistance in the supervision of service contractors and personnel
- This full-time position will require a work schedule that will include one weekend day as well as occasional evening work and taking call duty
Education & Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED equiv.
- Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or HVAC installation, service, and maintenance preferred
- Experience in carpentry and light construction
- Excellent familiarity with wood/ metal working machinery and equipment
- Must be able to lift 60 lbs
- Must be comfortable working on ladders and elevated heights
- Proficient in verbal and written communication
- Ability to operate a forklift and skid steer a plus
How to Apply: Please send resume to hr-buildassist@naturemuseum.org
No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.
Education Programs Specialist
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Reports to: Education Leadership Team
This position requires a multi-dimensional educator with natural science content knowledge and a passion for teaching. It entails implementation of onsite and offsite science and environmental education programming for a wide variety of audiences varying in ages from pre-K to adults. Program development responsibilities especially curriculum writing and revision are also required. Classroom experience that is transferable to school and community outreach education, teacher professional development, after school programming, and museum settings is essential. This position’s responsibilities include staying current on best practices in education and collaborating with program leads and museum educators across the Education Department to integrate current best practices into all programs.
Minimum Education Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in science and/or education fields.
- Teaching certification preferred.
Minimum Experience Required:
- Two years teaching experience working in formal K-12 (classroom) setting or informal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting.
- Experience teaching or training adults, especially teachers a plus.
- Experience speaking and writing Spanish a plus.
Principle Roles and Responsibilities:
- Implement science education and environmental science programs to students and teachers in Chicago area schools, at the Nature Museum, and as community-based programs.
- Support and lead all regular functions and programming of the Education Department, including program development/curriculum writing, evaluation, and operations.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the teachers, parents, students, external partners, and other members of the communities the Nature Museum serves.
- Stay current in best practices for science teaching and learning, environmental education, positive youth development, and museum education in school-based, museum-based, and out-of-school time settings.
- Communicate to other Nature Museum educators about relevant best practices to strengthen Nature Museum programs for diverse audiences.
- Maintain, develop, and use administrative operations systems for personal, program, and museum-wide tracking requirements.
- Develop and write curricula for formal and non-formal programs, collaborating with appropriate people.
- Complete animal handling training.
- Some weekends and evenings are required.
- Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate.
Brief List of Qualifications:
- Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
- Knowledge of the K-12 Framework for Science Education, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards.
- Knowledge of and ability to teach science, nature, and environmentally-based content to a diverse population of learners, including teachers.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
- Ability to communicate effectively with other educators, school administrators, outside partners, volunteers, and Museum staff.
- Working knowledge of Google Suite, MS Office, and Windows Operating Systems.
- Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
- Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.
- Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a vehicle is required.
Salary: $41,000 annually, with benefits package included.
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume at: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/3fa8cf3fe56b-education-programs-specialist
No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.
Data shows that women and minority candidates frequently do not apply for a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!
Exhibits Project Manager
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Reports to: Chief Curator of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum / Vice President of Museum Experience
This full-time role will act in many facets of exhibition creation, from developing and supervising schedules and budgets, assisting in concept development, prototyping and installation. This position collaborates extensively with content experts, scientists, artists, collections managers, educators and designers for the research, development, and interpretation of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Acts as Project Manager for temporary exhibits projects:
- Research and compile leased exhibition possibilities.
- Serve as primary contact for communicating with institutions for leased exhibitions.
- Create and maintain overall temporary exhibit project schedule and budget.
- Oversee and track exhibit production progress as pertains to schedule
- Report on the incoming and outgoing conditions of leased exhibit elements
- Collate, track and report budget for temporary exhibits and department expenditures.
- Research, write and edit exhibit labels, visitor collateral, and other exhibition interpretation materials for smaller temporary exhibits
- Act as a vital Exhibits team member for in-house and permanent exhibitions:
- Process, document and report project and departmental expenditures.
- Assists in the development of original content for temporary and permanent exhibits.
- Conduct primary topic research and help develop Content Resource Documents for in-house exhibits.
- Research and aid in development of exhibit interactives.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in exhibition development
- Experience in interactive development and prototyping
- Proven ability to communicate complex ideas with a wide range of audiences
- Extensive research, writing and copy editing experience
- Experience managing budgets, contracts and working within tight deadlines
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and a basic understanding of VectorWorks and AutoCAD a plus
- Experience in digital interpretation, development and initiatives a plus
- Demonstrated commitment to nature, conservation, and community improvement.
Education: Bachelor’s degree (MA preferred) in museum education, environmental education, anthropology or related field, or equivalent
Salary Range: $40,000-$44,000
How to Apply:
Please apply at: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/a40c92e76d8e-exhibits-project-manager
Only qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.
Independent Contractors
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is hiring independent contractors to install and dismantle temporary exhibitions in the Special Exhibitions Gallery and for other events during the year on a temporary basis- generally winter, late spring, and early fall.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Requirements vary for each exhibition. Most contractors will be required, under direction of the Exhibit Production Supervisor and/or the Lead Exhibit Fabricator to:
- Assist in preparing the gallery (including new construction, and repainting).
- Assist the forklift operator loading and unloading trucks at the dock.
- Handle crates to and from the dock, the freight elevator and the 2nd floor gallery.
- Pack and unpack exhibit components and move empty crates to and from storage.
- Distribute and assemble or disassemble components per provided instructions and drawings.
- Assist in hanging, moving, and focusing lighting instruments in the gallery.
- Clear and clean the gallery and the exhibition in preparation for opening.
- Ability to lift and hold up to 60 lbs.
- Familiarity with the safe use of hand and power tools, dock equipment and personal protective gear, and general carpentry/assembly experience are preferred.
- A positive attitude toward the work and the exhibition team, pleasant and professional conduct toward all museum staff and visitors, and self-motivation to complete assigned tasks are required.
Compensation: Compensation starts at $15 per hour working 6-10 hours per day.
Some evenings and/or weekends are required.
How to Apply:
Please send resume to CAScontractor@naturemuseum.org
No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.
