About the Academy

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences". Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it. Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians.

Job Summary

Seeking individuals to deliver high-quality educational mediated experiences highlighting the Academy's world-class research and exhibits. Individuals will work alongside a collaborative, solutions-focused team learning more about the natural world in order to inspire museum visitors to care for it.

Essential Functions

• Deliver mediated experiences to the public including in-gallery interpretation, inquiry-based exploration stations, museum tours, and seasonal activities on- and offsite for all audiences.
• Support scheduled evening programs including museum overnights and other scheduled events.
• Collaborate with museum staff to deliver high-impact weekend festivals.
• Lead small group educational activities and museum exploration.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 2 years working with adults or children in formal or informal education or customer service settings.
• Applicants must be over the age of 18.
• Schedule will include three regular days, 20 hours, per week, including at least one weekend day, year-round; during special event weeks, staff will be scheduled for up to 40 hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interest in education, teaching, or interpretation.
• Strong interest in natural history, science, or museum studies.

Physical Demands

• Typically standing, walking.
• Lifting demands <25lbs
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.

Location

Center City, Philadelphia PA

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.