Program and Design Specialist II California Academy of Sciences
Calacademy, San Francisco, CA, United States
About the California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world‑class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.
When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission‑driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.
About the Opportunity
Reporting to the Associate Director of Paid Museum‑based Education Experiences, the
Design Specialist
is a versatile educator and curriculum developer responsible for creating and delivering high‑impact learning experiences across the Academy’s after‑school, customized field‑trip, and summer camp programs. This on‑site role balances high‑level instructional design with hands‑on teaching and staff supervision, focusing on biodiversity and climate change through play‑based, experiential learning. By maintaining strong relationships with families and internal stakeholders, the Specialist ensures the delivery of inclusive, high‑quality educational programming that aligns with the Academy’s mission.
Customized field trip programming (40%)
Non‑customized field trip programming (5%)
Develop courses that support biodiversity and climate change education for after‑school programs at CAS
Teach the courses
Collaborate with program coordinator to understand the profiles and backgrounds of the students that will be attending each course
Customized field trip programming
Develop fee‑based, customized field trip opportunities for Bay Area schools
Communicate with teachers and school administrators to understand their unique academic and learning goals and design customized learning experiences
Summer Camp
Oversee a team of education instructors who write and implement the daily programming for the summer camp. The Design Specialist will also interact with children as an informal educator and with parents or legal guardians mainly during drop‑off and pick‑up times. The Design Specialist will guide the team of educators working daily with the enrolled campers and will design the curriculum used each day and each week of the Academy’s summer camp. Collaboration with the Director and the Chief of Education and Learning will produce play‑based, hands‑on, outdoor and experiential learning activities for each day of the summer camp.
Non‑customized field trip programming
Support the creation of open‑source resources accessible to schools visiting the Academy through paid non‑customized field trips
As programming will happen daily at the Academy, the Design Specialist will be available before, during, and after program hours. The expectation is for the Specialist to be on‑site 5 days a week.
Key Responsibilities
Design after‑school courses, offered during 8 months of the academic school year
Produce all instructional resources and learning materials for each after‑school course
Lead the instruction of 3 after‑school courses per week, across 8 months
Coordinate with the Director of School and Youth programs and the Associate Director of Paid Museum Education Experiences to ensure a diverse, state‑of‑the‑art portfolio of after‑school courses is created per academic year
Collaborate with the program coordinator to receive all relevant information to connect with school leaders, parents, and teachers that have required a customized field trip
Design customized field trips by using foundational elements provided by the Director of School and Youth programs and the Associate Director of Paid Museum Education Experiences
Design summer camp curriculum, structured across 4 weeks and built for each week’s specific theme, including age‑appropriate (9‑11 years old) play‑based, hands‑on, outdoor and experiential learning activities within a 9am‑4pm camp schedule
Create all learning resources required for each of the summer camp programs
Coordinate with internal partners involved as guest speakers for summer camp sessions
Identify, evaluate, and source equipment, tools, technology, and other resources required for daily summer camp programming; anticipate and troubleshoot issues
Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure physical spaces are available for daily summer camp programming across the museum floor
Communicate effectively with students, families, and team members involved in summer camps and after‑school courses
Communicate with Education leadership if there are concerns around a camper’s behavioral and/or emotional well‑being
Supervise a team of summer camp instructors
Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel empowered and supported
Ensure all activities are delivered as intended and that all students receive the highest quality level of support and instruction
Coordinate summer camp program logistics, maintain records, and support Leadership with program evaluation
Collaborate with other Education Division and Academy efforts, as appropriate
Follow all Academy safety regulations
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned
Qualifications: Success criteria
EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Education, Environmental Studies, Child Development, Recreation, Outdoor Education, or a related field
Two years of experience teaching groups of students in a classroom or informal learning environment (e.g., museum, zoo, aquarium, library, summer camp, after‑school, outdoor school)
Experience developing and leading hands‑on science and nature activities for students
Experience working with English Language Learners preferred
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Background check clearance required
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to develop purposeful curricula, programs, and systems that support divisional goals
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of instructors or camp counselors
Experience in behavior management, team‑building, and fostering a positive culture
Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence when supporting both students and fellow team members
Ability to manage schedules, delegate tasks, and problem‑solve in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
Familiarity with environmental education, regenerative practices, or outdoor learning (especially for programs with a nature or sustainability focus)
Positive collaboration skills and enthusiasm for working with diverse audiences
Awareness of social, racial, and environmental justice issues; sensitivity to the lived experiences of others and commitment to modifying the working environment to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
Ability to engage learners in the scientific process and environmental exploration
Comfort with public speaking and group facilitation
Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, youth, families, volunteers, and guests
Ability to exercise professionalism, good judgment, and problem‑solving skills
Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
Comfort using basic computer and cloud‑based software, including Google Suite and Zoom
Physical Environment
Ability to transport 40 lbs of scientific equipment and program materials
Ability to participate in outdoor, park‑based activities as well as on the museum floor
This is a mandated reporter‑designated position. Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law. Mandated reporters have specific reporting obligations if they know of, observe, or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. The Academy provides mandated reporters with training on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range for this position is $33.16 – $33.82. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Schedule
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday
EEO/Equal Opportunity Statement
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world‑class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.
When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission‑driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.
About the Opportunity
Reporting to the Associate Director of Paid Museum‑based Education Experiences, the
Design Specialist
is a versatile educator and curriculum developer responsible for creating and delivering high‑impact learning experiences across the Academy’s after‑school, customized field‑trip, and summer camp programs. This on‑site role balances high‑level instructional design with hands‑on teaching and staff supervision, focusing on biodiversity and climate change through play‑based, experiential learning. By maintaining strong relationships with families and internal stakeholders, the Specialist ensures the delivery of inclusive, high‑quality educational programming that aligns with the Academy’s mission.
Customized field trip programming (40%)
Non‑customized field trip programming (5%)
Develop courses that support biodiversity and climate change education for after‑school programs at CAS
Teach the courses
Collaborate with program coordinator to understand the profiles and backgrounds of the students that will be attending each course
Customized field trip programming
Develop fee‑based, customized field trip opportunities for Bay Area schools
Communicate with teachers and school administrators to understand their unique academic and learning goals and design customized learning experiences
Summer Camp
Oversee a team of education instructors who write and implement the daily programming for the summer camp. The Design Specialist will also interact with children as an informal educator and with parents or legal guardians mainly during drop‑off and pick‑up times. The Design Specialist will guide the team of educators working daily with the enrolled campers and will design the curriculum used each day and each week of the Academy’s summer camp. Collaboration with the Director and the Chief of Education and Learning will produce play‑based, hands‑on, outdoor and experiential learning activities for each day of the summer camp.
Non‑customized field trip programming
Support the creation of open‑source resources accessible to schools visiting the Academy through paid non‑customized field trips
As programming will happen daily at the Academy, the Design Specialist will be available before, during, and after program hours. The expectation is for the Specialist to be on‑site 5 days a week.
Key Responsibilities
Design after‑school courses, offered during 8 months of the academic school year
Produce all instructional resources and learning materials for each after‑school course
Lead the instruction of 3 after‑school courses per week, across 8 months
Coordinate with the Director of School and Youth programs and the Associate Director of Paid Museum Education Experiences to ensure a diverse, state‑of‑the‑art portfolio of after‑school courses is created per academic year
Collaborate with the program coordinator to receive all relevant information to connect with school leaders, parents, and teachers that have required a customized field trip
Design customized field trips by using foundational elements provided by the Director of School and Youth programs and the Associate Director of Paid Museum Education Experiences
Design summer camp curriculum, structured across 4 weeks and built for each week’s specific theme, including age‑appropriate (9‑11 years old) play‑based, hands‑on, outdoor and experiential learning activities within a 9am‑4pm camp schedule
Create all learning resources required for each of the summer camp programs
Coordinate with internal partners involved as guest speakers for summer camp sessions
Identify, evaluate, and source equipment, tools, technology, and other resources required for daily summer camp programming; anticipate and troubleshoot issues
Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure physical spaces are available for daily summer camp programming across the museum floor
Communicate effectively with students, families, and team members involved in summer camps and after‑school courses
Communicate with Education leadership if there are concerns around a camper’s behavioral and/or emotional well‑being
Supervise a team of summer camp instructors
Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel empowered and supported
Ensure all activities are delivered as intended and that all students receive the highest quality level of support and instruction
Coordinate summer camp program logistics, maintain records, and support Leadership with program evaluation
Collaborate with other Education Division and Academy efforts, as appropriate
Follow all Academy safety regulations
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned
Qualifications: Success criteria
EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Education, Environmental Studies, Child Development, Recreation, Outdoor Education, or a related field
Two years of experience teaching groups of students in a classroom or informal learning environment (e.g., museum, zoo, aquarium, library, summer camp, after‑school, outdoor school)
Experience developing and leading hands‑on science and nature activities for students
Experience working with English Language Learners preferred
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Background check clearance required
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to develop purposeful curricula, programs, and systems that support divisional goals
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of instructors or camp counselors
Experience in behavior management, team‑building, and fostering a positive culture
Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence when supporting both students and fellow team members
Ability to manage schedules, delegate tasks, and problem‑solve in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
Familiarity with environmental education, regenerative practices, or outdoor learning (especially for programs with a nature or sustainability focus)
Positive collaboration skills and enthusiasm for working with diverse audiences
Awareness of social, racial, and environmental justice issues; sensitivity to the lived experiences of others and commitment to modifying the working environment to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
Ability to engage learners in the scientific process and environmental exploration
Comfort with public speaking and group facilitation
Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, youth, families, volunteers, and guests
Ability to exercise professionalism, good judgment, and problem‑solving skills
Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
Comfort using basic computer and cloud‑based software, including Google Suite and Zoom
Physical Environment
Ability to transport 40 lbs of scientific equipment and program materials
Ability to participate in outdoor, park‑based activities as well as on the museum floor
This is a mandated reporter‑designated position. Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law. Mandated reporters have specific reporting obligations if they know of, observe, or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. The Academy provides mandated reporters with training on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range for this position is $33.16 – $33.82. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Schedule
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday
EEO/Equal Opportunity Statement
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).
#J-18808-Ljbffr