Public Programs Facilitator

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Public Programs Facilitators lead in-person educational programming and operations within the Field Museum’s Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs. The primary responsibility of these part-time term positions is to independently host formal public engagement opportunities inside of the Field Museum temporary exhibit Reptiles Alive! This position is defined as term, and will be active from approximately June 2, 2025 - April 13, 2026.

There are up to 4 part-time term positions available, each averaging 10-19 hours per week. Shifts are available daily from 10am - 4pm. Multiple weekly schedules will be available. Select candidates will be invited to participate in Group Interviews held in early May 2025 at the Field Museum. All candidates must be available for a general training schedule during the weeks of June 9 and 16. Accommodations may be available. The exhibition opens to the public on June 20, 2025.

This position will independently lead a variety of educational programs designed for the
temporary exhibition Reptiles Alive! These programs explore:

• Real, preserved animal specimens, and how these specimens can help scientists learn more about reptile adaptations, behavior, and genetics.
• Methods scientists use to study animals in the wild.
• How animal care specialists ensure live animals receive proper diet, habitat, and behavioral enrichment needs.

Public Programs Facilitators will also learn and accurately describe the exhibition sections and themes to museum guests, and help direct guests to specific exhibition areas that may help them explore their own questions further. Listening and responding to difficult or challenging questions and statements with sensitivity, respect, and care is required for this position.

Program Goals:

• Welcome and interact with museum guests in an approachable, upbeat, and professional manner.
• Guide museum guests through conversations related to animal evolution and adaptation.
• Encourage critical thinking surrounding different survival strategies employed by various reptiles ranging from snakes, crocodilians, turtles, and lizards.
• Inspire curiosity about the natural world through interactive discussions.

This position requires active attention and consistent verbal communication in a fast-paced environment. Moderate lifting of items up to 15 pounds will be commonplace. Accommodations may be available. Staff will utilize tablet computers to access and display media. Staff will regularly push rolling carts, handle delicate objects, and handle preserved animal specimens of various types. Training will be provided. While the exhibition hosts live reptiles, this position does not include any physical contact with or care of live animals.

This position requires shifts during the 10am - 4pm timeframe. All full day shifts include a 30-minute unpaid break. Schedules may include regular weekend and holiday scheduling. Individual, customized schedules may be available. Shifts are fully on-site at the Field Museum.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently lead and facilitate hands-on programming inside of the temporary exhibition Reptiles Alive! Actively communicate with museum guests appropriately and professionally. Monitor, care for, and store items, specimens, and materials related to the exhibition and active programming. (80%)
• Ongoing reading, research, and program development as assigned. (10%)
• Potential opportunities to support other Education and Public Programs, including but not limited to: The Grainger Science Hub, the Crown Family PlayLab, Field Trips, Special Events, or other programming as assigned. All training will be provided. (10%)

Qualifications:

• This position works directly with the general public, K-12 students, and Field Museum members, partners, and supporters. Candidates must enjoy welcoming, engaging, and interacting with individuals and groups of all ages in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must possess the ability to read an audience through formal teaching, stage performance, or equivalent experience. Candidates must enjoy independently hosting and proactively engaging with museum guests of all ages in a friendly and professional manner.
• Candidates must be comfortable, adaptable, and professional in learning about and discussing the topic of zoology (and specifically reptiles), their diversity, natural history, and the Field Museum's collections.
• A degree in, or coursework towards, or a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, communication, education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Public Programs Facilitators will be assigned a consistent schedule, but staff schedules may change with advanced notice. Staff will occasionally be assigned to cover select holidays or planned off-days for other Facilitators.

Pay: $19.03/Hourly

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

Salary : $19