Science Instructor
City of Palo Alto Palo Alto, California, United States
- Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
- Categories: Education and Training, Sciences and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Oct 10, 2025
Job Description:
Science Instructor
Description
DescriptionJoin Our Team! Now Hiring a Part-Time Science Instructor
Inspire the next generation of scientists at the Junior Museum and Zoo!
The City of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department is excited to announce that the Junior Museum and Zoo (JMZ) is currently recruiting for a part-time Science Instructor II.
About the Junior Museum & Zoo
The Junior Museum & Zoo is a beloved local destination that:
- Serves children from birth to age 8 through its science exhibits and live animal displays
- Supports children up to age 11 through school programs and summer camps
- Welcomes 117,000+ visitors annually
- Delivers 23,000+ science lessons through school and community program
About the Position:
Under limited supervision, the Instructor II schedules, prepares for , and facilitates school and family science lessons and summer camps , helps manage program materials, and helps supervises aides and volunteers. This role requires previous teaching experience and in-depth subject-related knowledge.
We’re looking for a dynamic and passionate educator to deliver hands-on science instruction in Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences to preschool and elementary-aged children. Instruction takes place in South Bay and Peninsula area schools, at local open-space preserves, and at the Junior Museum and Zoo itself through field trips, camps, and family programs.
Essential Duties
- Independently plan and prepare curricula for science classes and camps
- Lead engaging lessons and field trips in schools and public programs
- Assign tasks and supervise Instructor Aides and volunteers
- Modify activities to meet the developmental needs of various age groups
- Maintain program safety, quality, and alignment with JMZ’s mission
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires previous teaching experience.
- Requires prior in-dept knowledge of the disciplines to be taught.
- Two years of experience equivalent to that of an Instructor I.
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds
Ideal qualifications
- Strong content knowledge in Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences as demonstrated through at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences
- Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills
- Three years of experience teaching science to children in an educational setting.
Other requirements
- Pass pre-employment Background check.
- Provide a negative TB Test result.
Supplemental Information
The Selection Process :
•Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying). Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
•Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
•The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
This is a non-benefited position.
Closing Date/Time: 10/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific