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Science Instructor II (Promotional Opportunity Only)

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Science Instructor II (Promotional Opportunity Only)

Salary

$32.58 - $39.99 Hourly

Location

Palo Alto, CA

Job Type

Limited Hourly

Job Number

202501209

Department

Community Services Department

Opening Date

12/22/2025

Closing Date

12/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

Description

Join Our Team! Now Hiring a Part-Time Science Instructor II

The City of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department is excited to announce that the Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) is currently recruiting for a part-time Science Instructor II! 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 & Zooitself through field trips, camps, and family programs.

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 121,000+ visitors annually

+ Delivers 23,000+ science lessons through school and community programs

Our mission is to engage a child’s curiosity in science and nature. To learn more, please visit our website (https://www.paloaltozoo.org/Home) .

Position Summary:

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 knowledge.

This is a Limited Hourly position. Limited Hourly employees are non-union and non-benefitted employees, and are limited to working 416 hours per fiscal year.

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 safety, quality, and alignment with JMZ’s mission

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Two years of experience equivalent to that of a Science Instructor I

+ Prior in-dept knowledge of the disciplines to be taught. Disciplines taught at the Junior Museum and Zoo include the Life, Physical and Earth Sciences.

+ May require the ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

Preferred qualifications:

+ Strong content knowledge in Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences as demonstrated through at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences

+ Proven science teaching ability

+ Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills

+ Ability to work independently

Supplemental Information

Why Join Us?

By becoming a Science Instructor at the Junior Museum & Zoo, you'll:

+ Work with a supportive and mission-driven team

+ Inspire curiosity and a love of science in young learners

+ Teach in diverse environments—schools, nature preserves, and the museum

+ Play a key role in one of the region’s most impactful science education programs

Ready to Apply?

Join us in shaping the next generation of scientists and nature explorers!

Application Process:

+ Complete an online application with cover letter and resume attached.

Selection Process:

+ Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email (governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates).

+ 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 typically 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 accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with their employer.