Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Crown Family PlayLab Program Assistant is a part-time, public-facing position within the School Programs division in the Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs of the Field Museum. The individual in this position will primarily support the operations of the Crown Family PlayLab, which is an interactive, family-friendly learning space geared for early childhood audiences (ages 2-6). This role will report to the Early Childhood Programs Manager, as they staff the front desk of the PlayLab, support volunteers, and ensure the space remains operational for visitors.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

#1 – Staff the Crown Family PlayLab
Following a Wednesday-Saturday schedule, the Program Assistant will be responsible for opening and closing the space following a set of defined procedures. The Program Assistant will be responsible for providing a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, including overseeing the PlayLab’s front desk and supporting daily operations within the space. The Program Assistant will do this by collaborating with internal departments to
ensure the space is running efficiently for guests, which includes monitoring PlayLab supplies, communicating maintenance and housekeeping needs, assisting with volunteer oversight, and supporting guest inquiries throughout the day. This position regularly works one weekend day per week and holidays throughout the year.

#2 – Monitor Communication Channels with Volunteers
The Program Assistant will also oversee and respond to daily communication channels with volunteers, and work with the Early Childhood Programs Manager and Coordinator to onboard new volunteers, as well as assist with quarterly volunteer training sessions.

#3 – Support Program Implementation
Occasionally, this role will collaborate with the Early Childhood Programs Manager and Coordinator to assist with the implementation of on-site early childhood education programs.

#4 – Assist with General Program Needs

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Opening the PlayLab space; capturing daily attendance and monitoring capacity; assisting with guest support needs; supporting volunteer oversight; maintaining play areas as well as cleaning, laundering and sanitizing materials; working with internaldepartments to ensure the space is clean and that safety procedures are being followed; and closing the PlayLab at the end of the day following set procedures. (75%)
• Monitoring daily volunteer communication channels, assigning PlayLab volunteer duties across volunteer shifts, and assisting with the onboarding and training of new volunteers. (10%)
• Supporting the Manager of Early Childhood Programs in the implementation of on-site programming, including check-in procedures, organizing and monitoring supplies, and assisting in program coordination as needed. (10%)
• Assisting with general program needs. (5%)

Qualifications:

The Crown Family PlayLab Program Assistant must exhibit strong customer service skills and comfortability communicating with diverse populations. The candidate will display excellent written and verbal communication practices, as well as be experienced at managing multiple age groups, from early childhood to adult audiences.

The ideal candidate for this position is timely, organized and reliable. They identify as self-motivated and solutions-oriented–remaining flexible when navigating day-to-day challenges and proactive when identifying solutions.

This is an entry-level, part-time position. The position requires a mixture of walking throughout the space and some lifting, with periods of extended sitting while staffing the PlayLab front desk. At minimum, the candidate should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with 1 or more years of experience interacting with early childhood audiences in formal or informal settings, including preschools, community centers or museums. Bilingual candidates are also preferred.

The candidate must be able to consistently work at least one weekend day per week, as well as holidays throughout the year and occasional evenings for programs.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.