Chicago Nature Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reports to (title): Director, Day Camp

Job Summary:

JCC Chicago is seeking a passionate, engaging, and knowledgeable Nature & Biology Specialist to bring our Garoon Gateway to Science space to life this summer. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children, has a curiosity for the natural world, and is excited to create hands-on, interactive learning experiences.

The Nature & Biology Specialist will design and lead nature-based programming, care for a variety of reptiles and small animals, and help campers and Garoon Gateway visitors build a deeper appreciation for science, biology, and the environment.

At JCC Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves about the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community.

Key Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate nature and biology curriculum for students (K–8)
• Lead engaging, hands-on activities in the Garoon Gateway to Science, including exploration, experiments, and animal interactions
• Care for live animals including reptiles (e.g., turtle, hermit crabs, bearded dragon), ensuring proper feeding, habitat maintenance, and overall wellbeing
• Maintain and clean animal enclosures and equipment regularly
• Safely introduce and showcase animals to campers, creating meaningful and educational experiences
• Support and help facilitate nature-based field trips and outdoor exploration opportunities
• Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse campers and age groups
• Collaborate with JCC Chicago team to integrate science programming into broader camp experiences
• Uphold all safety, health, and camp policies

Qualifications:

• Experience or background in biology, environmental science, education, or a related field preferred
• Comfort and experience working with reptiles and small animals
• Experience working with children in a camp, classroom, or informal education setting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage and excite campers
• Flexible, organized, and able to adapt in a fast-paced camp environment
• Passion for experiential learning and creating inclusive, supportive environments for all campers

Schedule: Days/Hours/% Travel:

Camp Season: June 15 - August 7: Monday-Friday, 20 hours per week; Hours may vary due to programmatic scheduling

Direct Reports (Titles and FTE%):

N/A

Indirect Reports (Titles and FTE%):

N/A

Hourly Rate:

$22- $25 per hour

Job Category:

Seasonal, hourly

Education Qualifications:

• High School Degree
• College coursework or degree in biology, environmental science, education, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent experience in science education, animal care, camp programming, or informal learning environments will be considered

Physical Requirements:

• Lift, carry, and safely handle small animals, including reptiles, mammals, and other classroom or program animals.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile.
• Stand for long periods of time and be able to actively engage physically with children.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
• Supervise children and animals by sight and sound.
• Must be able to rotate head side to side to continuously scan the environment for safety.
• Ability to demonstrate, motivate, and communicate with children and adults.
• Ability to speak clearly and articulately with a loud tone of voice.
• Mental alertness; sustain concentration for long periods of time.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and light precipitation.
• Recognize appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviors in both children and animals; prevent, redirect, and manage behaviors effectively and safely.
• Perform routine animal care tasks, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Follow proper hygiene and safety protocols when handling animals to prevent injury or spread of illness.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance (with a minimum $250,000 liability).

Part time staff may be eligible for some benefits such as sick time, vacation time, and holiday pay, depending on number of hours worked.

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• Free fitness membership at JCC Chicago community centers and aquatics facilities
• Free JCC Chicago Community Engagement events

• Meaningful discounts on JCC Chicago programming, including day and overnight camp, Early Childhood, and event rentals (depending on number of part time hours worked)

JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, gender identity