Project Exploration STEM Facilitator Chicago, IL · Part time Company website

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Project Exploration is a Chicago-based nonprofit science education and youth development organization launched in 1999 to address inequities in access to high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) opportunities in out-of-school time. With equity at our core, we serve youth from communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields and recruit students who are curious and interested in science but face systemic challenges to accessing high-quality programs, such as academic prerequisites or program fees. Our programs deeply engage students in authentic STEM experiences, alongside mentors and STEM professionals who serve as role models. Through these programs and relationships, youth develop critical social and emotional skills, such as self-confidence, science identity, collaboration, communication, and leadership abilities.

Position Summary

Project Exploration is seeking an energetic, knowledgeable, and youth-centered STEM Facilitator with expertise in urban ecology, urban gardening, and bat studies to lead engaging high school out-of-school-time STEM programming for elementary, middle, and high school youth.

The facilitator will design and implement hands-on learning experiences that connect youth to environmental science, biodiversity, conservation, food systems, and wildlife research within urban communities. This role is ideal for someone passionate about making science relevant, accessible, and exciting for young people.

Key Responsibilities

Program Facilitation

• Lead interactive STEM lessons focused on:
• Urban ecosystems and biodiversity
• Urban gardening, food production, and sustainability
• Pollinators, native plants, and habitat restoration
• Bat biology, echolocation, and urban wildlife monitoring
• Environmental stewardship and climate awareness
• Facilitate engaging field-based investigations, experiments, and community science activities.
• Adapt lessons for grades K–12 with age-appropriate instructional strategies.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Support development and refinement of curriculum aligned to PE’s Youth-Science Pathways model.
• Incorporate inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Connect content to real-world careers in conservation, agriculture, ecology, wildlife biology, and sustainability.

Bat Studies & Field Research

• Lead youth in bat monitoring projects using acoustic detection tools and observation protocols.
• Teach students about nocturnal wildlife, migration, habitats, and the ecological importance of bats.
• Support data collection, species identification, and community science reporting efforts.

Urban Gardening & Ecology

• Guide students in planting, maintaining, and harvesting gardens.
• Teach soil health, composting, food systems, water cycles, and native species stewardship.
• Use neighborhood environments as living laboratories for exploration and research.

Youth Development

• Build positive mentoring relationships with youth.
• Promote teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Encourage curiosity, confidence, and STEM identity development.

Operations & Collaboration

• Maintain materials, tools, and program supplies.
• Document attendance, outcomes, and student progress.
• Collaborate with PE staff, school partners, and community organizations.
• Participate in staff trainings and planning meetings.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Education, Agriculture, Wildlife Studies, or related field.
• Experience teaching or facilitating programs with youth (K–12).
• Knowledge of urban ecology, gardening, and/or wildlife studies.
• Strong classroom/group management skills.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varied weather conditions.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment.

Preferred

• Experience with bat monitoring technology (Echo Meter, acoustic detectors, field surveys).
• Experience managing gardens or urban agriculture projects.
• Knowledge of Chicago ecosystems, parks, and community environmental issues.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred).

Key Competencies

• Youth engagement
• Hands-on STEM instruction
• Environmental stewardship
• Communication
• Reliability and professionalism
• Creativity and adaptability
• Data collection and observation skills

Schedule

• Part-time or full-time depending on program needs
• Afterschool, evenings, weekends, school breaks, and summer opportunities available
• Some outdoor fieldwork required

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate between ($25-$35 per hour) based on experience.

Ideal Candidate Snapshot

A passionate educator who can help youth explore questions like:

• How do bats help cities thrive?
• What can we grow in urban neighborhoods?
• How does nature survive in Chicago?
• How can young people become environmental leaders?