DEPARTMENT: Conservation Action
REPORTS TO: Manager of Conservation Action
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $21.00/hr.
LOCATION: Chicago - Hybrid/Fieldwork
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: Facilitates Shedd’s conservation action programs that mobilize people and communities to take action to restore and protect the environment. Strategies include engaging communities in environmental restoration and cleanups, fostering collective behavior change, and advancing equitable sustainability efforts that benefit people and wildlife. The facilitator leads the day-to-day execution of Shedd’s conservation action programs and efforts, focusing on issues such as habitat restoration, single-use plastic reduction and litter prevention, climate change, and others. The facilitator will spend a significant amount of their time offsite in communities and in nature. The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evenings. 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.  

Program Facilitation 

• Facilitate and independently lead conservation action events (e.g., habitat restoration workdays, webinars, event tabling, beach clean-ups, etc.) 
• Create content and hands-on activities for conservation action events.  
• Work fluidly with the conservation action team to execute program operations, including but not limited to supply management and logistics, program set-up and breakdown, driving a Shedd, personal, and/or rental vehicle, activity instruction, and participant monitoring and engagement.  
• Develop conservation action programming to meet the diverse needs of different audiences. Reduce barriers and increase access for diverse communities to participate in and inform conservation action efforts. 
• Ensure best practices and safety protocols are followed at all times during events to ensure fun and safe experiences. 

Engagement 

• Build relationships with new and returning program participants, volunteers, and community-based organizations. 
• Actively foster a sense of community, connection, and belonging among program participants. 
• Engage with and listen to community members, leaders, and organizations to inform Shedd’s conservation action programs. 
• Implement tactics that educate, inspire, and mobilize people to take action. 
• Support Shedd’s relationships with key external stakeholders including corporate groups, partner organizations, and Shedd supporters.  

Program Administration & Support 

• Provide administrative support to Conservation Action Manager and/or Coordinators through program communications, including but not limited to program planning, registration, and evaluation. 
• Track all program waivers and metrics for achieving conservation goals in an organized and timely manner.  
• Communicate metrics to partner organizations as needed. 
• Prepare, organize, and track program supplies, communicate ground transportation needs to the coordinator, and maintain careful tracking of all expenses.  
• Support collaborative efforts with other Shedd departments, including but not limited to Corporate Relations, Learning Programs, Community Partnerships and Impact, and Public Relations teams. 
• Represent Shedd’s conservation programs for internal and external audiences. 

Communications 

• Deliver Shedd messaging to foster conservation connection and ethic in diverse audiences. 
• Stay current and build expertise on local and global environmental issues such as but not limited to plastic pollution, climate change, environmental justice, applied conservation and habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics.   
• Stay up to date on science-based, environmental policies and share calls to action with appropriate Shedd conservation audiences  
• Develop visual and written content to share with Shedd audiences, collaborators, and partners that aligns with Shedd’s mission and stance on conservation issues, including climate change, plastic use, habitat and biodiversity loss, etc.  
• Support and advise other Shedd teams in building understanding and expertise on conservation issues and communications.   
• As needed, create compelling content for Shedd’s social media channels and Surge communications—Shedd’s monthly conservation newsletter and catalyst for action--as a content expert, writer, and strategic thought partner. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Science, Education, Non-Profit Management, or related field or a combination of related experience and education/training. 
 
Experience:   

• 1+ years of experience with environmental restoration or stewardship work  
• Experience with program delivery or education, preferably in conservation or outdoor education. 
• Experience in upholding safety procedures and managing volunteers. 
• Experience with community science and science communication is a plus. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle a large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 
• Excellent written communication skills and a talent for planning and tracking data and activities. 
• Aware of current, local, national, and international conservation issues, with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate them to various audiences.  
• Understanding of the Chicago region ecology is a plus.  
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite.   
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible and positive despite challenges (e.g., weather conditions, changes in group size, etc.) 
• Must be comfortable working outdoors with minimal amenities – including shelter – in all weather.  
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings and Saturdays. 
• Must be able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to drive the company vehicle in city, suburban, and rural settings. 
• Must be able to do heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.).

Designations/Certifications: Required at time of hire or must be willing and able to obtain within the first six months of employment. 

• CPR and First Aid certification. 
• Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Workday Leadership Certification. 
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator license. 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.