Jobs, Internships, Volunteering

Reports to: Building Operations Manager

Summary of Position:

As the Urban Gateway to Nature and Science, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / 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.

Reports to: Chief Curator and VP Museum Experience

Summary of Position:

The Nature Museum prides itself on original, creative, educational exhibits that inspire our visitors to learn more about world around them. Critical to this is the ability to create and maintain a safe, clean and fun environment which our visitors can enjoy. The Building Operations Manager will act as the main museum quality control officer and contact for the facilities maintenance, security contractor and building technical services. The role will also provide critical oversight and support of special events in regard to the planning of facilities porter function and security personnel. This position will work collaboratively across various departments, with internal and external teams, as well as independently. Candidate will possess excellent communication, planning and organizational skills. One weekend day will be required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Main in-house contact and supervision for maintenance and repair contractors. Coordinates and oversees all building support services ranging from preventive maintenance to emergency service. Coordinating the work of outside vendors, such as elevator services, HVAC maintenance and repair, security and custodial maintenance, roofing and MEP contractors.

• Main in-house contact for all City of Chicago building inspection personnel

• Direct supervision of Building Maintenance Assistant. Create, maintain and review the “weekly task list” with the Building Operations Assistant, updating as required.

• On-boarding and oversight of maintenance and security contractors

• Supervision and maintenance of ME storage areas, facilities storage, paint room, and AV room.

• Management of loading dock and paver lot to maintain areas clean and clear of clutter

• Responsible for light electrical, plumbing and Drywall Repairs

• Responsible for in house light construction and painting projects

• Coordination and assistance with snow removal as required

• All administrative aspects of building operations such as:

  • Processing of building operations purchase orders, including invoice request from all contractors/vendors

  • Keep inventory & order all facilities maintenance supplies

  • Log all technical activities into the Building Report Entries

  • Attending all meetings of Museum Experience Team, internal & external partners as it pertains to special events

  • Routinely check functionality of all AV equipment, such as lamps, software updates and batteries

• Oversight, implementation and maintaining current best practices of the Emergency Action Plan, including planning of fire drills and specialized security issues.

• Development of cross department initiatives involving building operations such as accessibility & safety concerns.

• Main in-house contact for internal & external special events. Coordinating staff coverage, engineering, facilities, and security. Coordinating room set up and strike. Coordinate & implement AV set up.

How to Apply:

Please apply at: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/4634031f5bfb-building-operations-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.

Reports to: Education Leadership Team

Summary of Position: This position requires a multi-dimensional educator with natural science content knowledge and a passion for teaching in both out-of-school time (OST) and formal education settings. It entails the development and 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. As one of two Camp Directors, this position hires, trains, and supervises between 10-20 seasonal staff members (camp counselors) each year – predominantly consisting of teens and young adults – in a 2 week environmental education youth development training program. Camp Directors oversee development, operations, implementation and evaluation of 8 weeks of summer camp for 4-9 year olds and one to two week(s) of winter camp, and leadership experience in out-of-school time education is essential. Education experience that is transferable to school and community outreach education, teacher professional development, after school programming, and museum settings is pivotal. This position’s responsibilities include staying current on best practices in environmental education and child-led play, and collaborating with program leads and museum educators across the Education Department to integrate current best practices across programs. This position also provides primary support for the sharing of cross-program knowledge around outdoor learning.

Principle Duties & 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 all regular functions and programming of the Education Department, including program development, 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 – and communicate to other Nature Museum educators about – best practices for environmental education, outdoor learning, child-led play, and camp industry practices.
• Leads a collaborative development process for Summer and Winter Camp which include: sharing ideas and creating and editing written materials for camp staff, families, and campers.
• Oversee program-wide operations including: creating systems and tools, collaborating with marketing to drive recruitment and registration, and managing a program budget including meeting revenue goals and managing expenses.
• Support the sharing of cross-programming knowledge, including lessons, development procedures/systems, approaches, and content.
• Develop and write curricula for formal/school-based and non-formal (OST) education programs, collaborating with appropriate people.
• Maintain administrative operations and records related to all aspects of camps programs.
• Complete animal handling training.
• Some weekends and evenings are required.
• Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science and/or education fields.
• Three years teaching experience working in formal K-12 (classroom) setting or informal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting strongly preferred.
• Experience managing and training a team.
• Experience teaching or training adults, especially teachers, is a plus.
• Teaching certification is a plus.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification is a plus, but certification class will be offered
• An enthusiasm for engaging children with nature.
• 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, families, teens and young adults, volunteers, and Museum staff.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, Google Suite, and Windows XP.
• 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.
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

Compensation: $45,000/ year

How to Apply: Please send resume to HR-EduPrograms@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.

Reports to: Director of Guest and Community Engagement

This position requires a collaborative informal educator and leader to bridge several department priorities.

First, this position acts as Floor Supervisor when the Assistant Manager of Guest Experience and Engagement is not present. This supervision includes being manager on duty for Guest Experience and Engagement front-line staff, museum Emergency Response Coordinator, and coordination of group processing. Though this position has no direct reports, they will coach staff as needed and collaborate with the team of supervisors to ensure continuity of staff development.

Second, this position is part of the facilitation team for the Nature Museum’s informal education programs including daily museum programs, public events, and other on and offsite events. This position’s responsibilities include staying current on best practices in informal education, helping to train and coach interpretation volunteers, and participating in the development of new programs. The position also helps with implementation of guest birthday parties both as a host for the adult planners and as a facilitator for the younger party guests.

Finally, this position works on the team that is responsible for implementing the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) Program. C3 is the Nature Museum’s grassroots sustainability program. This position participates in implementation of the leader training cohorts, community engagement, and ensuring that the program continues to stay up to date and meets its goals.

Minimum Education Required:

• High School Diploma

Experience Required:

• Experience working with the public, adults and children, in a customer service role is essential
• Some coaching experience is required

Principle Roles and Responsibilities:

• Effectively supervise the floor of the museum during daily operations. This includes daily staff management, functions of ticketing system and store point of sale, fielding guest feedback, communicating with facilities, security, and exhibits team members, taking out and putting away cash drawers and other general troubleshooting.
• Actively respond as Emergency Response Coordinator while supervising the floor of the museum.
• Play a key role in daily group processing.
• Collaborate with the C3 team to lead the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) Program focusing on implementation of the leader training cohorts, but also contributing to community engagement and ensuring that the program continues to stay up to date and meets its goals.
• Coordinate liaisons for C3 projects.
• Play a role in implementing in-museum programming. Facilitate specialty programs for onsite and offsite museum events as well as daily museum programming.
• Participate in the training of new facilitators, both staff and volunteers.
• Support volunteers as day-of point of contact and coach.
• Support efforts to make sure that programs reach wide audiences, lowering barriers to access for all guests.
• Collaborate with team members to prototype and refine new and updated museum programs.
• Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate.
• Stay current in best practices for science teaching and learning, environmental education, positive youth development, and museum education.
• Support family event implementation.
• Complete animal handling training.
• Some schedule shifts and evenings are required.
• Serve on interdepartmental committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Brief List of Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and ability to teach science, nature, and environmentally-based content to a diverse population of learners.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
• Ability to build and maintain coaching relationships with staff and peers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with 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.

Nice to have, but not required:

• Informal education experience at a museum, nature center, zoo, or similar institution working with all ages
• Familiarity with Chicago sustainability community
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a vehicle
• First Aid certified
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Salary: $16.50 per hour, with benefits package included.

Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume at: hr-guestexperience@naturemuseum.org

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 Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences 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 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!

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 2^nd 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.

Reports to: Senior Director of Guest Experience and Engagement

The Opportunity:

The Nature Museum seeks an organized and detail-oriented individual to be the Private Events Specialist. This is a key role in the continued development of our private events capacity. They will lead all steps, start to finish, of the event planning process, for anything like birthdays, graduation parties, work events, weddings, and more. The Private Events Specialist will collaborate with guests and vendors to ensure a seamlessly planned and executed event. Experience in aquariums, zoos, museums, and/or other cultural institutions is desirable, but not essential.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Enjoy being with, engaging, and adapting to children
• Positive and outgoing attitude
• Ability to adapt and operate in a dynamic and creative environment
• Excitement for nature
• Strong decision making skills
• Relate to Nature Museum mission and core values
• Ability to work successfully with and support a team

Key Responsibilities of the Private Events Specialist include:

• Manages inquiries for all private events
• Responsible for providing strategy and oversight of all Nature Museum private events, focusing on impact and efficiencies.
• Coordinates with the Museum team to ensure proper space usage, equipment usage, and staff supports
• Develops a broad network of vendors for event needs
• Coordinates with vendors for food, decor, dishware, etc.
• Communicates updates and processes with the guests and ensures a clear expectation of event needs.
• Manages all aspects of planning and executing private events for the Museum including scheduling, coordinating room set-ups, audio/visual coordination, meals, and staffing to ensure events run smoothly from beginning to end.
• Ensures private event revenues are meeting monthly and yearly goals with thorough tracking.
• Collaborate with supervisor to identify opportunities to increase revenues.
• Support internal Museum events
• Works cross-departmentally to keep the team informed of event needs
• Stay up to date on best practices and trends in museum and non-museum private events.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• At least two years of managing events and vendor relationships or related experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Proven experience generating vendor relationships
• Proven ability to analyze problems and solutions in a proactive, constructive, and creative manner
• Curiosity and drive to stay ahead of trends in museum and non-museum private events
• Ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.

Nice to have, but not required:

• Bilingual Spanish
• Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
• Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS)

Salary: $40,000 - $45,000 / year

Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental + Vision Plans
• Life + Disability Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to hr-privateevents@naturemuseum.org to apply.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences 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.

We are inviting applications for an early-career research scientist in the Biology Department at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences. The research scientist will develop and engage in original research projects focusing on conservation of imperiled wildlife and their ecosystems in Northeastern Illinois, or the Midwest/Great Lakes region. They will advance knowledge for the persistence of species within their taxonomic focus area within regional ecosystems. To support the Academy’s focal areas, researchers engaged in conservation within the fields of herpetology, entomology, malacology, invasive species ecology, or other aspects of restoration ecology and wildlife conservation, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The research scientist will contribute to our research program focused on applied conservation, reintroduction, habitat management, and monitoring needs of regionally imperiled wildlife, or local ecosystems, working in coordination with land management agencies. The research scientist will prepare and publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, participate in professional society meetings, regional research and conservation meetings, panels, and forums.

If the researcher’s work entails a headstarting or captive rearing component, they may coordinate with our Living Collections team to develop care protocols and research questions related to these conservation approaches, such as inquiries into wildlife health and behavior. The research scientist may collaborate on existing community science program offerings, or develop new areas of engagement in participatory science around the conservation of regional biodiversity.

The research scientist will collaborate with the Advancement Department to identify funding opportunities, and prepare grant proposals to support conservation research. They will determine and manage their research project budgets, and be responsible for purchasing project supplies. The research scientist will be responsible for recruitment, training, supervision, and scheduling of any seasonal field research personnel associated with their grant and contract work.

The researcher may collaborate with the Collections Department to provide specimen identification support for research requests in their taxonomic area and utilize the scientific collections and archives to inform research. The researcher is encouraged to contribute to the Academy’s collections through submission of salvaged specimens or of other specimens collected under permitted research.

The research scientist will work cross-departmentally to provide content expertise for the development of museum exhibits, educational programs and workshops, and informal museum programming or events. The research scientist will also provide training and professional development opportunities to members of the Biology Department and Education Department, in their area of expertise (e.g. teaching sampling techniques, field site visits, presentation of study results).

The research scientist will serve as a museum representative of their research, and general ecological information, to print, broadcast, and online media, and provide presentations on a range of relevant topics to diverse audiences.

The research scientist may pursue partnerships or affiliations with regional universities for teaching relevant courses, or for advising/co-advising undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct original research on select aspects of conservation of regional wildlife in Northeastern Illinois/the Midwest/the Great Lakes region
• Independently determine and manage long-term conservation research projects, establish project timelines, and provide regular deliverables (e.g. contract or grant reports, publications), building partnerships with external collaborators when possible
• Work closely with the VP of Conservation Research and other Biology Department members (e.g. Associate Curator of Entomology, Manager of Living Collections, Manager of Horticulture), to design, implement and deliver collaborative research projects
• Work with the VP of Conservation Research to update the Department’s Conservation Research Plan to reflect the researcher’s projects and identify new areas of inquiry
• Work with the Advancement Department to pursue funding sources to support research. Determine and manage budgets for the researcher’s projects, coordinating with the Finance Department on invoices, expense reports, and budget projections for research projects
• Purchase materials and supplies necessary for research projects
• Prepare grant reports in coordination with the Advancement and Finance Departments
• Prepare all necessary permit reports for the researcher’s projects (e.g. Illinois Threatened and Endangered Species Permits, Illinois Scientific Research Permits, Illinois Nature Preserves Special Use Permits)
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal support staff (e.g field technicians) or grant-supported staff for research projects as external funding permits
• Coordinate the development of protocols for conservation projects with the Manager of Living Collections or the Manager of Horticulture as needed
• Be an active presence in the conservation and ecological restoration communities.
• Present research findings through publication and presentation, including peer-reviewed journals, books, and proceedings of professional meetings
• Serve as a content expert for the development of museum exhibits, educational programming, and informal museum programming

Requirements:
Qualified applicants must have a Ph.D. or be within 4 months of defending their dissertation.

Prior experience should include: independently managing research projects, providing deliverables to funders, managing project budgets, grant-writing, production of peer-reviewed publications, delivery of scientific presentations and talks for general audiences, conducting statistical analyses, and obtaining scientific research permits for their research.

Other desired skills include:
Teaching experience at the college or high school level, or with adult learners

To Apply: Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, a representative publication (or in prep manuscript if applicable), and a research statement outlining the scope of their work and future directions of interest to: hr-bioresearcher@naturemuseum.org

The interview process will include virtual/in-person interviews and a research presentation to Biology and Collections department staff, along with staff members from other departments (Education, Exhibits, Guest Engagement, Advancement) as availability permits.

Salary range: $65,000-$70,000

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental + Vision Plans
• Life + Disability Benefits
• EAP + Work/Life Program Services
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave

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.

Duration: June 1 – September 15, 2024

Department: Biology

Reports to: Chief Curator Emeritus

Objective: To develop hands-on experience in all field and lab aspects of ecological restoration of a butterfly species to a natural area by assisting in the completion of all requirements for the Nature Museum’s butterfly restoration grant.

Intern Responsibilities: This project will involve a mixture of field and lab work. The intern will assist the staff member in collecting female butterflies from the field, and in using a modified Pollard survey technique to monitor butterfly populations on study sites in northern Illinois. The study sites are located in northwest Cook, Kane, McHenry, and DuPage Counties. The intern will also assist with lab work for the project, which will include rearing Baltimore checkerspot caterpillars. Rearing activities include caring for the female butterflies during the egg laying phase of their life cycle, collecting and preparing plant material that the caterpillars will eat after they have hatched, cleaning cages for both the adult female butterflies and the caterpillars and ensuring that proper standards of lab hygiene are maintained throughout this process, and keeping accurate records of survival of both adult butterflies and caterpillars in the lab. Lab activities will take place in the butterfly conservation lab at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Final Product: Through this internship, the candidate will acquire a basic knowledge of how to undertake a butterfly restoration program, including project planning, butterfly husbandry, data recording and follow-up monitoring. They will learn best practices for rearing butterflies in the laboratory and methods for designing, running and analyzing Pollard surveys for population monitoring.

Desired Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have the ability to identify the common species of butterflies in northern Illinois as well as their host plants, some knowledge of prairie ecosystems and the plants that can be found there, basic entomological skills such as knowledge of life cycles of Lepidoptera, and some experience with animal husbandry in a laboratory setting. A successful candidate should be comfortable working with insects, able to work in sometimes uncomfortable field conditions, have the ability to lift 50 pounds and be able to drive independently in their own vehicle to field sites.

Desired Majors: Biology, zoology, environmental science

Compensation: $16.00/hr

Time Commitment (include hours and days): The internship will run from June 1 until September 15 and will consist of 20 hours per week. Days for work can be flexible by mutual agreement of the intern and supervisor. Field work will be weather dependent.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to dtaron@naturemuseum.org no later than May 1st, 2024. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a zoom interview.

Duration: June 12 – August 2, 2024

Department: Education

The Nature Museum is seeking two college-aged Interns, for a 7.5-week position, assisting with the “Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science” (TEENS) summer program. TEENS is a six-week program engaging Chicago public high school students in teen-driven investigations of urban ecosystems and the relationships between humans and nature. Teen participants collect environmental data, study nature in city parks and neighborhoods, and develop and conduct locally-focused research projects using low-cost and DIY environmental sampling methods. Students use free and open source smartphone apps for mobile data collection, and create web-based maps and other visualizations for media-rich project websites). In conjunction with the TEENS Program lead instructors, the Interns will assist with the development and implementation of field- and lab-based experiences for TEENS participants and mentor youth as they develop field-based research projects in urban ecology. This is a 7.5-week paid internship that includes 1.5 weeks of training, collaborative planning, and preparation prior to the start of the 6-week TEENS summer program. Once the TEENS summer program begins, program implementation will be Tuesday-Friday 9am-3:30pm and collaborative planning with program staff will be on Mondays 9am-3:30pm. All planning and implementation occurs in-person at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Objectives: The goal of this internship is to gain experience implementing informal science education in an outdoor setting and mentoring high-school aged youth from diverse backgrounds.

Final Product: One final product will be a project webpage where youth participants will display project data and findings through photographs, blog posts, and youth-created maps. Interns will play a crucial role in development of the project webpage by mentoring youth throughout the summer as they design research projects, collect and analyze data, and produce digital maps and other visualizations. Additionally, interns will complete regular reflections on both their contributions to the success of the TEENS program and their personal and professional growth across the summer.

Time Commitment:

• Wednesday, June 12- Friday, August 2, 2024
• Monday-Friday, 9am-3:30pm
• Note: Internship does not occur on Thr July 4 and Fri July 5

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the implementation of a teen-driven, inquiry-based curriculum emphasizing environmental science and ecological concepts, mobile data collection, digital mapping, data visualizations and analysis.
• Assist instructors leading groups of teens during lab and field-based science investigations on the Nature Museum grounds and surrounding parkland.
• Guide youth in developing and carrying out field investigations focused on urban ecology.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Museum staff to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for the participants.
• Exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills and professional behavior to support a positive and successful workplace environment.
• Assist with other program activities as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Interest in nature and science
• Eager to work with teenagers from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience mentoring or teaching science in formal or informal education settings to high-school or middle-school students is preferred.
• Interest in facilitating science activities outdoors in a full range of weather conditions.
• Post sophomore year of college or equivalent work experience desired
• Desired majors: Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Education, Science Education, or related field.
• Experience with field mapping, GPS, GIS, and other digital tools a plus.
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
• Available to work hours and dates described above.

Compensation: Stipend ($3,500)

To Apply: Email resume and cover letter to: teens@naturemuseum.org. Please include “Education Intern, Teen Programs” in the subject line.

No phone calls please. 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.

This position primarily involves assisting staff in the care (feeding, cleaning, and handling) of Blanding’s turtles. This position is heavily focused on the cleaning of aquatic habitats which involves manual scrubbing. The volunteer will also work with other animals in the living collections as needed. Duties may vary by day and at the discretion of the Living Collections staff.

Preferred Qualities:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a strong interest in working with reptiles and amphibians.
• Experience caring for animals (including pets) preferred, not required
• Willingness to feed live invertebrates and frozen/thawed fish and pinky mice to other animals
• Comfortable working around and cleaning animal waste
• Comfortable handling snakes, turtles, and some invertebrates
• Comfortable using disinfectants and other chemicals when necessary
• Able to bend to floor level, climb on step stool, reach, and lift 20 pounds
• Ability to interact respectfully with the public, staff, and other volunteers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (depending on the task)

Supervision: Conservation care volunteers will be trained by the Living Collections staff and supervised closely until they are comfortable performing the daily checklist independently. Living Collections staff members will always be available for questions.

Time Commitment: Weekly morning shift (8am-12pm) for at least one year.

How to Apply: Click here to fill out our application form.