Public Programs Facilitator
Full job description
Position: Public Programs Facilitator
FLSA Status: Non exempt
Department: Center Education & Public Program
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
The 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 public engagement opportunities associated with select Field Museum exhibitions. This position is defined as term, and will be active from approximately May 4, 2026 - April 11, 2027.
Select candidates will be invited to participate in Group Interviews held in early April 2026 at the Field Museum. All candidates must be available for a general training schedule during the weeks of May 3 - May 17. Accommodations may be available.
This position will independently lead a variety of educational programs, including a formal, ticketed tour through the permanent exhibition Evolving Planet.
These programs and tours explore:
1) Real fossils, and how these specimens can help scientists learn more about adaptations and behavior of extinct wildlife.
2) Methods scientists use to study fossil specimens.
3) How we can draw connections between animals today to find a better understanding of related species both real and imagined.
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, accuracy, 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 structured conversations related to animal evolution, adaptation, fossilization, and extinction.
- Encourage critical thinking to find and explore connections between real fossil specimens.
- Inspire curiosity about the natural world through interactive discussions and hands-on activities.
This position requires active attention and consistent verbal communication in a fast-paced environment. Staff will utilize tablet computers and projectors to access and display media. Staff will facilitate tours, handle delicate objects, facilitate and care for real fossils, and operate digital storytelling tools. Training will be provided.
Moderate lifting and transporting of items up to 15 pounds will be commonplace. Accommodations may be available. This position requires shifts during the 9:30am - 4:00pm timeframe. Full day shifts include a 30-minute unpaid break. Schedules may include regular weekend and holiday scheduling. Individual, customized schedules may be available.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Independently lead and facilitate tours and related programming associated with the Field Museum exhibition Evolving Planet. Actively communicate with museum guests appropriately and professionally. Monitor, care for, and store items, specimens, and materials related to the exhibition and active programming.
- Ongoing reading, research, and program development as assigned.
- Support other Education and Public Programs initiatives, including but not limited to: The Grainger Science Hub, the Crown Family PlayLab, Field Trips, or other programming as assigned. All training will be provided.
Qualifications:
- This position works directly with the general public, K-12 students, and Field Museum members, partners, and supporters. 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 paleontology, the diversity of the animal kingdom, and the natural history of various species found within the fossil record.
- 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 may be assigned to cover planned off-days for other staff, and to adhere to a rotating holiday schedule.
- Daily staff responsibilities may shift with short notice due to operational needs.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Public Programs Director.
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
10-18 hours per week, shifts are available daily from 9:30am - 4:00pm. Multiple weekly schedules will be available.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Not eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United,
AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO
Pay Range: $22.58/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 [email protected].
