Field Trip Instructor - Resource

Chicago Botanic Garden; Glencoe (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness initiative benefit

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Retirement plan

Garden membership

Discounts to Garden Shop and educational classes

Job summary

Chicago Botanic Garden is looking for a Field Trip Instructor to teach workshops for students from Pre-K through 12. The role involves preparing materials, maintaining supplies, and working closely with volunteers to deliver impactful educational experiences.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in education or science, along with at least one year of relevant experience. Flexibility and good communication skills are crucial, and ability to work outdoors in diverse conditions is required.

Qualifications

• Must be available mid-August through November and April through May.
• Minimum one year experience in environmental education preferred.
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Teach workshops for grades Pre-K through 12.
• Assist with planning and teaching homeschool field trip days.
• Prepare and maintain program materials and supplies.

Skills

Flexible team player

Good communication skills

Experience with diverse backgrounds

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in education or science

Job description

Title: Field Trip Instructor

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Youth Education

Reports to: Manager, Teacher and Student Programs

Resource: Scheduled on an as-needed basis

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. This part‑time resource position has varied hours depending on the time of year, with most hours mid‑September through early November and late March through end of May.

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).
• Assist with planning and teaching bi‑monthly homeschool field trip days on select Friday afternoons (December ‑ March).
• Assist with teaching 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.
• Assist with planning and evaluation of current and future field trip workshops.
• Other duties as assigned, including the possibility to assist with other youth education programs as interest and opportunity presents.

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.

Benefits

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack‑o‑Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Title IX Statement

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835‑8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third‑party recruiters.