Field Trip Instructor - Resource

Position Overview

Teach field trip workshops for grades Pre-K through 12 that are phenomenon- and standards-based with an emphasis on plant science. Assist with prepping, maintaining, and cleaning up program materials, and greeting school groups. Programs occur in person and virtually depending on the season and are conducted both indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Teach student field trip workshops for grades Pre-K through 12 on-site at the Chicago Botanic Garden (heaviest program months are March - May and September - November).
• Absorb and teach bi-monthly homeschool field trip days on select Friday afternoons (December - March).
• Absorb and teach virtual field trip workshops for grades K through 12 (as scheduled, December - March).
• Set up and clean up field trip classrooms on workshop days.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of program materials and supplies.
• Work closely with field trip volunteers to deliver programs.
• Attend and assist with workshop trainings for staff and volunteers.
• Absorb and assist with planning and evaluation of current and future field trip workshops.

Qualifications

• Must be available to work 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at least three weekdays each week, four to five days preferred, from mid-August through November and April through May, with the possibility of virtual field trips as scheduled December through March.
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, or related field required.
• Minimum of one year experience in science and/or environmental education in a formal or informal education setting.
• Experience with hands-on methods and the Next Generation Science Standards preferred.
• Experience working with children from diverse backgrounds preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish) abilities a plus.
• Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced team environment using good communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Physical Demands: Must be comfortable working outdoors for a minimum of two hours in various temperatures and weather conditions and kinds of terrain (paved, gravel, lawn, and other garden surfaces); ability to stand and walk for up to four hours at a time; able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 30 pounds.