Public Learning Experiences Facilitator

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

Lead and assist with in-person public programming at the Field Museum. The primary responsibility of this part-time position is public engagement within the temporary exhibit Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches. This position is defined as a term and will be active until approximately September 2024. This position averages 10-19 hours per week, from 10am - 4pm. A regular, weekly set schedule will be created based on applicant availability and museum needs.

This position independently leads two hands-on educational programs designed for the temporary museum exhibition Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches. The subject of blood feeding will be examined through structured conversation and exploration of 1) Preserved animal specimens and the parallels between their unique adaptations and traits exhibited by vampires and other blood feeders in popular culture. 2) There are various means by which select animals find, obtain, feed, and utilize blood.

Public Learning Experiences Facilitators also learn and accurately describe the exhibition sections and themes to museum visitors. Facilitators help direct visitors to specific exhibition areas that may help them explore their own questions further. Applicants should be comfortable working with and responding to questions from individuals and large groups of all ages. Listening and responding to difficult or challenging questions and statements with sensitivity, respect, and care is required for this position.

Program Goals:

• Start conversations and interact with visitors in an approachable, upbeat, and respectful manner.
• Guide visitors in conversation related to animal evolution and adaptation.
• Encourage critical thinking surrounding different survival strategies employed by various blood feeders ranging from leeches, lampreys, mosquitos, and bats.
• Inspire curiosity as to how the natural world has influenced human culture, myth, and legend.

This position requires active attention and consistent verbal communication in a fast-paced environment. 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. Moderate lifting of items up to 15 pounds is commonplace. Accommodations may be available. This position requires shifts during the 10am - 4pm timeframe on various days, which may include weekend and holiday scheduling.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate programming inside of the temporary exhibition Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches. Communicate with visitors appropriately and with respect. Monitor, care for, and carefully store items, specimens, and materials related to exhibition programming.
• Ongoing reading, research, and program development as assigned
• Support other public programming, including but not limited to The Grainger Science Hub, Learning Center Volunteer programming, the PlayLab, Field Trips, or other museum programming as assigned. Training will be provided

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 both 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 visitors of all ages in a friendly and professional manner
• Candidates must be comfortable, adaptable, and professional in learning about and discussing the topic of blood feeding as it relates to the natural world and depictions in popular culture
• A degree in, or coursework towards, or a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, communication, education, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Public Learning Experiences facilitators will be assigned a consistent schedule, but staff schedules may change with advanced notice. Staff will be assigned to cover planned off-days for other staff and to adhere to a rotating holiday schedule

Important Note: In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and their families, the Field Museum is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for exemptions from the vaccine will not be considered as given the nature of this position, we are unable to provide an accommodation for anyone who has not been vaccinated.
The Field Museum is an equal opportunity workplace and employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.