Learning Facilitator

TITLE: Learning Facilitator
DEPARTMENT: Learning Programs
REPORTS TO: Manager School & Teacher Programs
STATUS: Full-Time Non-Exempt
PAY RATE:$20.00/hr.
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago IL.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately40 hoursper week.
• Theschedule for this position may be Monday-Friday Sunday-Thursday or 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 Aquariumandin off-site locations.

POSITION OVERVIEW:The Learning ProgramsDepartment develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regularvisit andprovidesopportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs including students teachers teensyouthoutside of schoolandfamilies. 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 Aquariumin off-site locations as well as inonline environments.

The Learning Facilitators primary role is to deliver programming that is tailored for learners including students (PK-12) youth teachers families adultsand middle school and high school teens. Facilitatorsutilizelearner-centered facilitation strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place init andactively seek out relevant content knowledge. TheLearningFacilitator will implement programs while working with other team members asappropriate. TheLearningFacilitator willassistin the daily setup and any preparation that is needed before and after each Learning Facilitatordemonstratesownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration. They activelyparticipatein reflective activities asit relatesto their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible forfacilitatinglearning experiences at Shedd in the field in localcommunities and in online environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Facilitateengaging learner-centeredprograms aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes
• Assistin seasonal program and lesson development with other staff as appropriate
• Stay current on relevant best practices(instructional strategies content areas etc.)
• Utilize resources such as live animals local natural areastechnology and other tools
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
• Workwith variousaudience groupson teams or independently
• Maintain resourcesmaterials and programming spaces
• Continually incorporate assessmentdatainprogramfacilitation.
• Participate in project-relatedand skills-basedtrainings
• Collaborate with internal and external partners
• Activelyparticipatein your own professional development.
• Usediverseequitableaccessibleinclusive andjustice(DEAIJ)practices in lesson design
• Demonstrate leadershipin accordance withShedds missionvision and values
• Fulfill other duties asrequired

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required.

Education:Pursuing or holding a Bachelors degree in education life science environmental science museum studies or a related field or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• 1 year of experience engaging with learners in formal or informal settings
• Willing to be CPR and first aid certified (advanced wilderness/outdoor trainingrequiredin some situations);Shedd will provide these trainings as needed
• Learnnew technologyand new computer applications
• Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writingpresentationand spreadsheet applications
• Solve problems using available information and resources
• Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas
• Communicate professionally with various audiences
• Read writespeakandcomprehendEnglish
• A valid drivers licenseor the ability to obtain a valid drivers license
• Willingness to implement programsin waterand/or in wilderness settings
• Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs
• Strongorganizational and time management skills
• Strongwritten and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experiencedesigning learning experiences
• Experienceworkingwithstudentsteensyouth and/or families from Chicago communities or other urban areas
• Experience with culturally relevant science education practices and instructional strategies
• Experiencefacilitatingenvironmental education and conservation-based programming
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Bilingualism(Spanish/English preferred)
• Experiencefacilitatingoutdoor program activities such as canoeing hiking snorkeling campingkayaking and other water-based experiencesetc.
• Comfort working in team-based environments.

PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• 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)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment may include the following sensory triggers: large crowds unusual smells unusual noises which may be loud low or moderate temperature changes changes in lighting staff may get wet or dirty and outdoor elements.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• 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

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at

We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community veterans and active duty military parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.