Science Instructor

City of Palo Alto; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical stipend

Job summary

The Junior Museum & Zoo in Palo Alto is seeking a part-time Science Instructor I - H to deliver hands-on science to preschool and elementary students. Instruction occurs in schools, preserves, and at the museum through camps and family programs.

Ideal candidates have at least two years of teaching experience and strong content knowledge in Life, Physical and Earth Sciences, with a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences or related education background.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with children in educational settings.
• Bachelor’s degree in Life, Physical, or Earth Sciences or related field.
• Degree in early childhood or elementary education acceptable.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on science lessons and school/family programs.
• Schedule science lessons with teachers via phone, email, or in person.
• Prepare materials, organize activities, and store supplies.
• Lead engaging lessons and field trips in schools, preserves and the museum.
• Attend weekly in-person planning meetings and collaborate with team.

Skills

Teaching experience

Leadership

Organizational skills

Independence

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life/Physical/Earth Sciences

Early Childhood or Elementary Education degree

Job description

Inspire the next generation of scientists at the Junior Museum & Zoo!

The City of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department is excited to announce that the Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) is currently recruiting for a part-time Science Instructor I (Instructor I - H).

We’re looking for a dynamic and passionate educator to deliver hands‑on science instruction in Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences to preschool and elementary‑aged children. Instruction takes place in South Bay and Peninsula area schools, at local open‑space preserves, and at the Junior Museum & Zoo itself through field trips, camps, and family programs.

About the Junior Museum & Zoo

The Junior Museum & Zoo is a beloved local destination that:

• Serves children from birth to age 8 through its science exhibits and live animal displays
• Supports children up to age 11 through school programs and summer camps
• Welcomes 121,000+ visitors annually
• Delivers 23,000+ science lessons through school and community programs

Our mission is to engage a child’s curiosity in science and nature.

Position Summary:

With training, the Instructor I - H schedules, prepares for and facilitates school and family science lessons and summer camps. This role requires previous teaching experience and some science‑content knowledge.

Ideal Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Content knowledge in the Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences, as demonstrated through at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences. A degree in early childhood or elementary education, and a strong interest in science is also acceptable.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Why Join Us?

By becoming a Science Instructor (Instructor I - H) at the Junior Museum & Zoo, you will:

• Work with a supportive and mission‑driven team
• Inspire curiosity and a love of science in young learners
• Teach in diverse environments—schools, nature preserves, and the museum
• Play a key role in one of the region’s most impactful science education programs

This is an SEIU Hourly (limited‑benefits) position that may not exceed 1,000 hours per fiscal year. Budgeted hours and schedule (to be set by supervisor upon hire) may allow for fewer hours than this. In lieu of providing a medical plan, the City grants a medical stipend of $3.80 per hour in paid status.

• Attend weekly in‑person planning meetings on Monday mornings.
• Schedule science lessons with school‑teachers via phone, email, or in person.
• Learn lesson curricula by:
  • Observing more experienced instructors.
  • Studying written materials and background content.
  • Collaborating with team members.
• Lead engaging lessons and field trips in schools and during other public programs.
• Prepare materials, clean up, and properly store supplies.
• Assist in maintaining program supplies, collections, and equipment.

Requires previous teaching experience. Requires prior in‑depth knowledge of the disciplines to be taught.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with their employer.