Learning Specialist

• Approximately 40 hours per week.
• The schedule for this position may be Monday-Friday Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday. Schedules often change seasonally dependent on programmatic needs.
• This position must have the ability to work evenings weekends overnight hours and holidays as required.
• This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in off-site locations.

The Learning Programs Department develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regular visit and provides opportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs including students teachers teens youth outside of school and families. This programming includes but is not limited to camps school experiences teacher professional development out-of-school-time programming for youth and teens and family engagements both at Shedd Aquarium in off-site locations as well as in online environments.

The Learning Specialist uses creativity promising instructional practices and evaluation data to design implement and authentically evaluate programs that support various levels of Shedds learning framework. Learning Specialists utilize learner-centered teaching strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place in it actively seek out relevant content knowledge and evaluate learning using authentic and formal assessment techniques. The Learning Specialist demonstrates ownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration. They actively participate in reflective activities as they relateto their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible for developing and facilitating learning experiences at Shedd in the field in local communities and in online environments.

• Develop engaging programs aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes
• Facilitate learner-centered programs
• Stay current on relevant best practices (instructional strategies content areas etc.)
• Utilize resources such as live animals local natural areas technology and other tools
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
• Work with various audience groups on teams or independently
• Maintain resources materials and programming spaces
• Continually incorporate assessment data in program planning and facilitation.
• Participate in project-related and skills-based trainings
• Collaborate with internal and external partners
• Actively participate in your own professional development.
• Use diverse equitable accessible inclusive and justice (DEAIJ) practices in lesson design
• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Shedds mission vision and values
• Fulfill other duties as required

• 2 years of experience teaching in either a formal or informal setting
• 1 year of experience designing learning experiences
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs
• Willingness to implement programs aboard research vessels in water and/or in wilderness settings for multiple weeks
• A valid drivers license or the ability to obtain a valid drivers license
• Read write speak and comprehend English
• Communicate professionally with various audiences
• Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas
• Understand basic budgeting
• Solve problems using available information and resources
• Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writing presentation and spreadsheet applications
• Learn new technology and new computer applications
• Willing to be CPR and first aid certified (advanced wilderness/outdoor training required in some situations); Shedd will provide these trainings as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with students teens youth and/or families from Chicago communities or other urban areas
• Experience with culturally relevant science education practices and instructional strategies
• Experience facilitating and/or creating environmental education and conservation-based programming
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Bilingualism (Spanish/English is a plus)
• Experience facilitating outdoor program activities such as canoeing hiking snorkeling camping kayaking and other water-based experiences etc.
• Comfort working in team-based environments.

• This is an active position. Staff will be required to move around the aquarium to various exhibits and workspaces each day. Stairs and elevators are available.
• Able to facilitate program activities including but not limited to: using a tablet or computer using common laboratory equipment recreation equipment and field-related gear and equipment.
• Applicants must be comfortable in deep water and must be able to pass a swim test within 6 months of being hired. The swim test must be administered by a certified lifeguard. This test will be scheduled by the applicant.
  • Swim Test Components:
    • Swim 200 meters without difficulty (any stroke no time limit)
    • Tread water for ten minutes without difficulty (deep water no touching sides or bottom of pool)

• Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets