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.
Human Resources Administrator
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance & Accounting, the Human Resources Administrator is responsible for the human resources administration of the Museum’s staff of 40+ full-time and part-time employees. Part of the Finance and Administration team, the Human Resources Administrator is a full-time position that will interface with all departments within the Museum.
Key Responsibilities:
Include, but may not be limited to:
- Daily administration (including annual open enrollment) of all benefit programs, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA
- Retaining and updating physical and electronic personnel records
- Ensuring adherence to all applicable labor laws and compliance standards, including FMLA
- Maintaining and updating job descriptions and employee handbook
- Assisting with developing and implementing human resource policies
- Coordinating the annual employee performance review process with Museum leadership team
- Assisting with organization and coordination of museum-wide staff communication, training and events
- Supporting recruitment efforts, including posting open positions, scheduling and confirming interviews, completing and sending follow up correspondence, and completing background checks
- Assisting with on-boarding and off-boarding employees
- Processing paperwork for external agencies, including worker’s compensation claims, unemployment claims, and verification of employment
- Serving as backup to process semi-monthly payroll
- Communicating with external partners, including insurance brokers/providers, payroll provider, and legal counsel, as necessary
Skills & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, or appropriate combination of education and experience
- Thorough knowledge of current labor laws and compliance standards, including EEO, FLSA, ADA and FMLA
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritize certain projects and tasks appropriately
- Work experience with Payroll and HR software – knowledge of Paylocity is a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word
- Strong relational skills with the ability to effectively communicate with internal staff and external partners
- Self-motivated with the ability to handle detailed work while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy
- Detail-oriented with great problem-solving and analytical skills to manage daily administrative tasks
- Willingness to adapt and learn new things quickly
- Experience in a museum or non-profit organization is a plus
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located in Lincoln Park and has a strong benefits package.
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume via e-mail to HRAdmin@naturemuseum.org
No phone calls please. Qualified applicants 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.
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.
Principle Duties and 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.
Summer Camp Head Counselor (seasonal)
Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Seasonal Position Duration: June 28 -August 27, 2021
This year, Nature Museum Summer Camps will be hybrid in format: Monday through Wednesday will be held in-person at the Nature Museum and Thursday and Friday will be held virtually in the mornings. Camp sessions offer children (ages 5-8) the opportunity to connect with and explore our local urban habitats. Our camp is designed to enhance campers’ critical thinking and problem solving skills as they engage in inquiry, develop science process skills, and cultivate a love for nature. Summer Camp Head Counselors are essential for ensuring the success of the camp programs. Head Counselors are leading camp activities, managing camper groups, and staff and camper safety for each camp session.
For detailed description of the Nature Museum’s Summer Camp, please visit www.naturemuseumcamp.org.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Attend training during the week of June 28 to participate in skills training sessions, camp policy and procedure training sessions, and prepare activities for camp sessions. Head Counselors are responsible for creating and/or gathering all supplies needed for activities within a given budget and time frame.
Following the training period, Head Counselors will facilitate planned activities with campers during camp sessions. Head Counselors will supervise a group of campers with the help of one to two Counselors. Head Counselors will support the Camp Directors in the supervision and mentoring of the Counselors. By completing the training, Head Counselors will be able to show competencies in informal education instruction, written and oral communication, group management, and science content knowledge of our local habitats.
Time Commitment:
The term of this position is from June 28 to August 27 (end date negotiable for those returning to school). The Head Counselors are scheduled to work up to 28 hours per week, Monday through Wednesday, 8am – 3:30pm, and some Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30am – 11:30am. In addition, the Head Counselors are expected to attend a First Aid Training, if not currently certified.
Qualifications:
- Completion of sophomore year of college or above, or comparable academic or work experience
- Knowledge of and interest in science and nature-based learning;
- An aptitude for presenting information in a relevant, appropriate, and engaging manner;
- Lesson planning/implementation experience;
- Strong organizational, management, and leadership skills;
- Ability to share enthusiasm for nature and high-energy charisma with kids ages 5 to 8 years old;
- Ability to lead activities both outdoors and indoors;
- Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials throughout the Museum and its grounds;
- Ability to react quickly, use best judgment, and troubleshoot;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with the Zoom and Google platforms;
- On virtual days (Thursday and Friday), ability to work from home with a reliable computer and internet access (preferred)
- A basic understanding of child learning-styles and teaching techniques.
- Preferred: Current First Aid/CPR certification is a plus, but not required, as a certification class will be offered.
Compensation: $15.75 per hour
How to Apply:
To complete the application process, please submit an online application here and e-mail a cover letter and resume to camps@naturemuseum.org. Please include “Summer Camp Head Counselor” in the subject line. A cover letter, resume, and online application are required for this position. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. 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.
Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For over 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of us.