Far Horizons Summer Instructor @ Adler Planetarium

Far Horizons Summer Instructor

Full Time Temporary

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether it is introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach projects. With the Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Thank you again for your interest in applying to the Adler Planetarium! Effective November 8, 2021, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that will require all employees, interns, temporary employees, and volunteers to receive one of the CDC-authorized vaccines, unless a medical or religious reasonable accommodation is approved. Please note: at this time we are not asking you to provide any information about your current vaccination status, whether you would seek a religious or medical accommodation to the policy, nor for any other medical information – we are only notifying you of the policy if you are interested in moving forward with the application process.

The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Far Horizons Summer Instructor to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus. This position works in close collaboration with the Teen Programs Manager and Far Horizons Counselor to co-teach participants in a three-week high school summer engineering program (Far Horizons Teens) and three sessions of a one-week middle school high-altitude ballooning program (Mission Near Space).

In Mission Near Space 7th and 8th-grade students become part of a unique team of engineers and astronomers whose goal is to prepare, launch, track, and retrieve a scientific payload sent to the stratosphere aboard a high-altitude balloon. In Far Horizons Teens 8th, - 11th graders develop skills in electronics circuitry, computer programming, structural design, and teamwork. They work in small groups to design, build, and present prototype solutions to mitigate the effects of light pollution.

This individual will also be responsible for:

• Participating in all training sessions with the Teen Programs Manager, Far Horizons Counselor, and other staff including a high-altitude balloon training flight
• Developing a co-teaching strategy for Mission Near Space and Far Horizons Teens with the Teen Programs Manager. Leading technology-focused instruction (e.g. electronics, coding, 3D printing, etc) during Far Horizons Teens
• Preparing and maintaining program materials including leading preparation for technical materials (e.g. sensors, Arduinos, etc) for Far Horizons Teens
• Assisting with drop-off and pick-up procedures and liaising with program participants’ caregivers as needed

This temporary full-time position begins on June 5, 2023, and ends on August 4, 2023. The anticipated schedule for this position is as follows.

Training:

• June 5th - 16th | Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
• June 7th or 8th | Training Flight 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Program Implementation:

• June 19th - August 4th | Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4 PM
• One extended day (varying, but 6:30 pm is average) each week during Mission Near Space sessions for balloon launches

FT The Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $17.88/hr

Work-Life balance

• 3 Sick Days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty

Retirement Savings Plan

• 403B plan with Adler match
• Adler match is 100% vested immediately
• Eligible to enroll as of date of hire

Network of Support through our expanded EAP program

• Monthly webinars, workshops and self-care content
• Life and Career Coaching
• Specialized Coaching Programs
• Therapy with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Discounted Onsite Parking Passes

Commuter flexible spending account

The Person

The Far Horizons Summer Instructor is a tech whiz excited to share their passion with Chicago’s middle and high school students. They value and are adept at collaboration and communication. While they may not have much direct teaching experience, they are open to mentoring from Adler Teen Program’s staff. The Far Horizons Summer Instructor is excited about the adventure of STEM and will enthusiastically lead technology-focused instruction during Far Horizons Teens while the Teen Programs Manager leads light pollution-focused instruction.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license
• Currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program or at least one year of relevant professional experience
• One or more years working with middle and/or high school-aged teens in an educational or camp-like setting
• Two or more years experience in electronics and coding for Arduinos, sensors and/or microcontrollers
• Experience with CAD and 3D printing
• Demonstrated ability to teach others basic electronics and how to code
• Proficient in Google Suite, ability to quickly learn new equipment and software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree majoring in education or a STEM field such as computer science or engineering

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its obligations as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Jenean Featherson by email at recruiting@adlerplanetarium.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case by case basis.