Student and Teacher Programs Faciliator

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

GENERAL SUMMARY  

• The Student and Teacher Programs Facilitator is responsible for guiding youth and teachers through learner-centered, student-driven experiences both on and off zoo grounds.
• Under the direction of the Student and Teacher Programs Coordinator, this individual will seek to improve student understanding of conservation issues through experiences such as student-directed research projects, engagement with inquiry-based science experiences aligned with the research of zoo scientists and animal care staff, and exposure to career opportunities within the field of conservation science and education.
• This is a full-time, year-round position. In order to meet the needs of Chicago schools, the individual in this position must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
• This position has some flexibility to work from home (up to 2 days per week if programs are not scheduled).
• When field trips or classroom visits are scheduled, working hours will be performed on site at the zoo or offsite at school/community locations as needed.

This opportunity might be good for you if...

• You’re open to learning about scientific concepts and familiar with research basics.
• You are skilled at building relationships with teachers and creating engaging experiences for learners of all ages, especially teens and middle schoolers.
• You thrive when solving problems and are able to reach creative solutions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• As core facilitator for the Partners in Fieldwork program
• Guide Chicago high school students in data gathering and analysis related to urban biodiversity and human-wildlife co-existence both at the zoo and on school grounds
• Oversee development of individual student research projects aligned with urban wildlife research methods
• Modify and add to curriculum to provide additional, culturally appropriate opportunities for students to engage authentically with the field of conservation science, sustainability, research, and environmental justice.
• Support and facilitate authentic field trip experiences for students and teachers through both visit supervision and/or curriculum development
• Provide training, oversight, and support to teachers in the implementation of program activities
• Provide training in the area of technology-aided research projects to teachers and support modifications to existing digital curriculum resources
• Deliver teacher programming with the goal of creating stronger ties between classroom practice, research, and mission of the zoo
• Support logistical planning of zoo field trips by ordering buses, scheduling, and planning of the trip

Additional responsibilities:

• Generate program reports and support program evaluation efforts
• Deliver student-directed and inquiry-based programming for students at the pre-K-16 level, including on-site Zoo Explorers field trips and virtual Zoo Investigations programs.
• Provide guidance to students who contact the zoo with interest in conducting original research in the area of conservation science
• Develop resources and activities for students and teachers that align with Next Generation Science Standards and support the learning of zoo-related topics
• Support development and delivery of additional related programming as resources allow
• Support other zoo Learning programs and events as assigned, such as Camp Outs, special events, and more
• Work a flexible schedule that may involve delivering multiple, hour-long programs in a row with limited breaks
• Perform various tasks and other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work with groups of up to 35 students on zoo grounds, in a classroom, or in a virtual environment
• Ability to interact comfortably with culturally and linguistically diverse students of all ages with varying abilities
• Experience developing student activities and resources that align to NGSS learning standards
• Commitment to creating a classroom environment that is accessible and inclusive to all, including differentiating instruction to meet student needs
• Ability to work in a team and problem solve to ensure timely completion of all projects
• Ability to work outside in nature for extended periods of time.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree in education,
• environmental studies,
• biology,
• zoology,
• or closely related discipline;
• or four years of related work experience required

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with informal and/or formal education at a zoo, museum, science center, environmental education center or school
• Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and developmentally diverse learners
• Experience working with Chicago youth is preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Capable of moving across zoo grounds, being stationary for long periods of time, and working in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to regularly traverse zoo and school grounds and move equipment on a rolling cart up to 50 pounds.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work occasional weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events which may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record is required
• Access to personal vehicle is preferred
• Ability to pass a background check is required
• SALARY:          $47,250/year   
• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply.
• We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

Salary

• $47,250/annually