Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Instructor, College First Program

Requisition Number 162

PURPOSE: To deliver a hands-on summer science enrichment program for Chicago Public School students in grades 11 and 12. The instructor will design and deliver an informal science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations, and oversee student mentorship assignments and individual research projects.

College First is a high-school internship at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is a paid internship for six weeks during the summer, and monthly meetings during the school year. A school bus provides transportation from designated stops starting as early as 7 a.m. to bring students to the Garden by 9 a.m. from Monday through Friday. Students leave the Garden at 3 p.m. each day. Students are eligible to receive college credit through Wilbur Wright, one of the city colleges of Chicago.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work with a coinstructor to teach a curriculum emphasizing environmental science and inquiry process, appropriate for middle school level.

2. Help plan and conduct weekly field trips to supplement the science curriculum and emphasize careers and college.

3. Lead daily outdoor science investigations that utilize the display gardens and natural areas on-site at the Garden.

4. Guide student independent research investigations, which they will present to the public at the end of the session.

5. Supervise students during work with mentors, and coordinate with mentors to facilitate a positive experience.

6. Act as a liaison with staff at Wilbur Wright, to submit grades and other paperwork.

7. Assist with other program activities as necessary.

DEPARTMENT: Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

REPORTS TO: Manager of Secondary Education

SUPERVISES: Students in the Science First program

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Be available to work/teach for 37.5 hours per week from June 24 through August 14, 2013. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years combined experience teaching science in formal and/or informal education settings to high school or middle school age students, ability to conduct outdoor field and conservation science activities, and familiarity with computer technology. Master's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field is required.

Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.