Instructor, Science First Program - Seasonal

Title: Instructor, Science First Program

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Education

Reports to: Manager of Science Career Continuum

Seasonal Full-time, June through August 2026

Supervises: Student interns/teaching assistants

Seasonal Full-time employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Holidays, Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview:

This position is structured for two teachers working collaboratively to instruct 7th to 10th grade students from Chicago Public Schools in a STEM-themed summer program for two consecutive sessions:

• Science First (3 weeks | June - July): Rising 6th - 8th graders
• Science First II (4 weeks | July - August): Rising 9th - 10th graders

The Science First instructors will deliver an immersive, hands-on STEM program at the Chicago Botanic Garden serving two cohorts of students. Over seven weeks, teachers will work with rising 7th to 8th graders (3 weeks) and rising 9th to 10th graders (4 weeks), guiding students through inquiry-based environmental science experiences and projects that culminate in the presentation of a research poster. The curriculum emphasizes field-based learning, authentic research practices, and increasing student ownership of their learning.

This role operates within a collaborative co-teaching model in which two educators share instructional leadership. One instructor will lead lessons while the other provides targeted support, small-group facilitation, and individualized guidance, with roles rotating between cohorts. Instructors will collaborate closely on lesson planning, field trip integration, student support, and program assessment to ensure a cohesive, engaging, and equitable learning experience for all students.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively to plan and deliver inquiry-based STEM experiences rooted in environmental science and authentic research practices
• Lead lectures, demonstrations, and structured learning activities (rotating lead role between cohorts)
• Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental needs of middle school and high school learners
• Increase research intensity and student responsibility for the 9th to10th grade cohort, including deeper data analysis, scientific reasoning, and independent inquiry
• Guide students through the development of a culminating research poster, including:
  • Formulating research questions
  • Designing investigations
  • Collecting and analyzing data
  • Creating visual representations of findings
  • Preparing and practicing formal presentations
• Supervise and actively participate in weekly Friday field trips
• Support classroom culture, behavior management, and a positive learning environment
• Collaborate daily with co-teacher and teaching assistant to refine instruction and adjust pacing
• Participate in program reflection, assessment, and continuous improvement processes

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of three years of science teaching experience in formal or informal educational settings with middle and/or high school-aged students.
• Bachelor's degree required in environmental science, biology, science education, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrated understanding of student development theory with focus on first-generation, low-income, and students of color.
• Proven ability to integrate STEM concepts into lesson plans and develop culturally responsive curriculum.
• Strong administrative skills, including data management, organization, and task completion.
• Fluency in Spanish desirable but not required.

Physical Demands:

The position involves a dynamic work environment encompassing both indoor and outdoor settings. It requires regular physical activity such as standing, walking, and bending, along with strong communication skills (listening and speaking) and proficiency in operating standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines). Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of items less than 30 pounds may be necessary.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.