Guest Educator I

California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 35,818,000 - 48,216,000; Full time

Job summary

California Academy of Sciences is seeking a Guest Educator I to deliver informal science education programs to museum guests across a range of formats. The role emphasizes engaging with all ages, including early childhood, teens and young adults, on climate and biodiversity topics.

You will work on the museum floor, collaborating with CAS scientists and educators, using interactive methods and possibly live animals or data visualizations to foster curiosity and stewardship for the natural world.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of public speaking experience.
• Coursework/training in natural/environmental science or education, etc.
• Fundamental knowledge of museum interpretation and climate/biodiversity education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging programs across formats to diverse guests on topics including natural history, climate, and biodiversity.
• Present scientific information to guests of all ages with enthusiasm.
• Provide excellent customer service to guests and staff.
• Assist with program equipment maintenance and evaluation as needed.
• Follow safety regulations and complete HR training.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Enthusiasm

Science communication

Team collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Second language

Education

Background in natural/environmental science

Job description

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you’re working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Guest Educator I (one) position is responsible for conducting informal science, climate, and biodiversity education programs with museum guests. These programs could include hands-on, play-based, experiential, and guest-centered informal educational experiences offered on the museum floor. Programs can be delivered in connection to a permanent or temporary exhibit, or as part of seasonal programming led by the department of Guest Education. Delivery methods can include programming with live animals, engagements with CAS scientists, data visualization and other types of technology, experimentations, art-based, and immersive mediums. Programming is focused for all ages, with special emphasis on early childhood, teens, and young adults.

The Guest Educator I spends most of their time interacting with guests on the public floor; and is comfortable engaging with guests from diverse backgrounds; has proven knowledge required to present on any topic relevant to the Academy’s work and mission and is eager to continue learning.

Organizational Culture

Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives - Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 - that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver highly engaging, innovative programs, through myriad formats and modalities to diverse guest audiences and throughout the museum on various complex topics including natural history collections, CAS science, climate and biodiversity science and action, the intersection of science and policy, environmental and social justice.
• Utilize teaching and interpretive approaches promoted by Transformative Education applicable to museum-based climate and biodiversity education, in order to inform, inspire, and guide guests on how to be stewards for the natural world and their communities and promote the value of scientific work and knowledge.
• Provides as part of programs scientific information and facts for guests of all ages.
• Maintain a high level of enthusiasm while performing repetitive, interpretive programs.
• Provide excellent customer service to guests and staff.
• Assist with duties as needed, such as program equipment maintenance, program evaluation, etc.
• Help to maintain a positive and healthy work environment and to work cooperatively within a team.
• Follow all Academy safety regulationsand complete all HR-assigned training.
• Support the Academy’s mission, vision and division-wide initiatives
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

A successful candidate will have the following:

Experience and/or Education:

• At least 1 year of public speaking experience.
• Coursework, training, or background in one or more of the following fields: natural/environmental science, education (formal or informal), natural history interpretation, science communication, performing arts, climate change, biodiversity loss or other relevant fields
• Fundamental knowledge of best practices in museum interpretation, climate and/or biodiversity education in informal learning settings.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent public speaking skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Adapt and maintain flexibility in changing and fast-paced environments
• Maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing repetitive programs regularly
• Make complex science concepts accessible to general audiences while maintaining scientific accuracy.
• Work well independently as well as in teams.
• Accept feedback graciously and integrate it into practice as needed
• Effectively work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people
• Passionate about environmental and social justice, climate and biodiversity action, and regeneration of the natural world.
• Desire to grow professionally through work-offered and/or personally-acquired certifications, courses, and trainings in fields and topics relevant to regeneration, and education for climate change, biodiversity loss.
• Fluency in a second language preferred

Physical Environment:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to lift and transport 25-50 lbs across concrete and uneven floors.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions 25-50% of the time.
• Ability to work safely in both outdoor and indoor environments that may include stairs, uneven paths, bark, and secure access areas.

Compensation and Benefits:

The hourly rate for this position is $27.64 Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule

This full-time Guest Educator I position is 35 hr/week at $27.64/hr, requiring 5 regularly scheduled, 9am - 4pm shifts per week including weekend, holiday, and evening work.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).