Position Summary: 

This Education Programs Coordinator 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 (in English and Spanish) for a wide variety of audiences varying in ages from pre-K to adults.  Some 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.  

Minimum Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in science and/or education field.
• Teaching certification preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

• Two years teaching experience working with K-12th grade students in a formal educational setting.
• Experience working in a non-formal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting a plus.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities:

• Implement science and environmental science programs to students and teachers in Chicago area schools, at the Nature Museum, and at community-based programs.
• Assist in the development of programs.
• Assist in the evaluation of education programs.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the teachers, parents, students, and other members of the communities the Museum serves.
• Participate in a collaborative curriculum development process which includes sharing ideas, writing, and editing.
• Assume a leadership role for programs or initiatives when appropriate.
• Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate.
• Support all regular functions of the Education Department.
• Some weekends and evenings are required.
• Complete animal handling training.

Brief List of Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the K-12 Framework for Science Education, Common Core, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Knowledge of and ability to present general science, nature, and environmental education content to a diverse population of learners, including students and teachers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other educators, school administrators, outside partners, volunteers, and Museum staff.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, Outlook, and Windows XP.
• Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
• Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.
• Regular travel to schools and community sites throughout Chicago and Chicagoland region is required

How to Apply:

Please send resume to EdJob1@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.

About the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:

Celebrating over 160 years of science exploration and education, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is the public face of the Chicago Academy of Sciences.  The Chicago Academy of Sciences was founded in 1857 as Chicago’s first museum dedicated to educating Chicagoans about nature and science through the preservation and display of native specimens, classroom activities, and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Today, the Museum distinguishes itself through extensive involvement in schools, providing more hands-on science instruction than any other museum in Chicago, and the opportunities it provides for visitors to experience nature up close in exhibits such as its iconic Judy Istock Butterfly Haven.   The Museum also continues the Academy’s tradition of research, conservation and education about nature in the Midwest through participatory exhibits and programs, educational outreach and ongoing scientific activity.  Its collections, due to their age and type, are among the most important in the region.