Full job description Hourly Pay Rate: $21.00/hr.
The position will last from April 29th, until late October - pending business needs, and individual performance. SUMMARY:
Facilitates Shedd's conservation action programs that?mobilize people and communities?to take action?to restore and protect the environment. Strategies include?engaging communities?in environmental restoration and cleanups, fostering?collective behavior change, and?advancing?equitable sustainability?efforts that benefit people and wildlife.?The facilitator leads the day-to-day execution of Shedd's conservation action programs and efforts, focusing on issues such as habitat restoration, single-use plastic reduction and litter prevention, climate change, and others. The facilitator will spend a significant amount of their time offsite in communities and nature. The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional early mornings and evenings.
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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values. Program Facilitation Facilitate and co-lead conservation programs in a clear, engaging, and approachable manner. Instruct community science activities and wildlife monitoring and maintain recorded data. Assist with program registration and communication with participants and partners, both in person and online, as needed.? Organize program supplies and equipment. Track metrics for achieving program goals in an organized and timely manner. Support collaborative efforts with other Shedd departments, including but not limited to Corporate Partnerships, Community Partnerships and Impact, Conservation Research, and Learning Programs teams. Represent Shedd's conservation programs for internal and external audiences, both in the field and at various events. Set up and break down program materials. If needed, drive a Shedd, rental, and/or personal vehicle to program locations. Ensure best practices and safety protocols are followed at all times during programs to ensure a fun and safe experience. Communications Deliver compelling and relevant information through programming to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Adhere to a script for the Kayak for Conservation program delivery Engage in friendly conversation with people of all different ages and backgrounds. Build expertise on local ecology, local water conservation issues, and other related topics. Share related news on these topics with Shedd teams. Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Education:
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BS degree in environmental science or other applicable field preferred. Related experience is accepted instead of a degree. Experience: At least 6 months of experience with program facilitation, interpretation, community engagement, public outreach, or education, preferably in a non-profit, informal setting. Preference for applicants with outdoor education experience.? Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays. Special Knowledge/Skills: Experience in education or leading environmental/conservation programming. Experience with community science, outdoor volunteers, and/or stewardship preferred. Awareness of current, local, national, and international conservation issues, with the ability to effectively communicate them to various audiences. Comfortable handling wildlife, including fish and crustaceans. The ability to work as a team member. Highly organized with an attention to detail. Excellent written communication skills and a talent for planning and tracking data and activities. Technology experience beyond basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technologies. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible despite challenges (e.g., weather conditions, changes in group size, etc.) Designations/Certifications: Kayak/water-based safety training preferred CPR and first aid certified preferred. Wilderness first aid certification is a plus. National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide or Host status is a plus. Must have a valid driver's license and willingness to drive a company vehicle in the city, if needed.? Preferred Skills: Advanced wilderness/outdoor training Experience leading water-based programming Experience kayaking and/or canoeing Experience with customer-relationship management software Certification or experience with interpretive programs Awareness of Chicago region plants, animals, ecology, and restoration practices Demonstrated ability to handle large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment preferred. A personal vehicle to travel to/from program sites is preferred. Bi-lingual applicants and the ability to deliver programs in 2 or more languages Physical Requirements: Must be comfortable with kayaking and guiding less experienced paddlers within 1-month of hire (training provided). Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions with limited amenities. Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.), including kayaks Must be able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods. Other Skills: A love of the outdoors and working with people. Positive attitude and supportive of colleagues in a team-based environment. Driven, self-starter. 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.
