JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM TEEN-WORK STUDY APPLICATION FALL 2014

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1 Shedd Aquarium s work-study program for Chicagoland teens offers a variety of fun and unique paid learning opportunities during the summer or on weekends during the school year. Three opportunities are available to students: Green Gardeners (Summer Only) Individuals interested in gardening will work with Shedd s horticulturist to maintain the aquarium s award-winning gardens. These teens will also be given techniques tools they can use to connect guests to conservation messages and sustainable practices while in the gardens and in the aquarium s exhibits. Shedd Ambassadors Individuals interested in the guest services aspects of an aquarium will work with Shedd s guest experience staff to master unique customer-service techniques incorporating the aquarium s mission in everyday actions. They will gain insight into the professional skills, problem-solving techniques and fast-paced approaches that are needed to ensure a positive guest experience and a fulfilling on-the-job experience. Young Naturalists Individuals interested in sharing animal information with guests will work with Shedd s guest engagement staff to learn the art of connecting with guests while in Shedd s exhibits. They will facilitate theme-based interpretation, play engagements and other education experiences. Each opportunity supports the aquarium s mission of connecting people to the living world, inspiring them to make a difference. Applicants should possess or want to develop strong communication skills and a connection to Shedd s collection and mission, and have the desire to work in a team environment interacting with the public. All students will have the opportunity to work with Shedd staff and interact with other professionals through career workshops, trainings and field trips. Note: Participants will have minimal animal contact. Please carefully read and complete each section of the application. If you have not included all information on the checklist, we will not be able to process your application. To apply to the work-study program you MUST: Be enrolled in high school at the time of the program Be 15 years of age or older (if offered a position, a work permit is required for 15 year olds) Submit completed application (including your signature, responses to essay questions, letter of recommendation, critical dates form and communications waiver) Submit application by July 15, John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL

2 PERSONAL INFORMATION (Please print legibly) Today s date Applicant s name Last First Middle Street address City State Zip Code Cell phone number Home phone number Please circle the best phone number at which to reach you: Cellular phone / home phone Year in school (circle one) Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Year of graduation School name School address Please check the position(s) you are interested in for fall 2014: Shedd Ambassadors (weekends) Young Naturalists (weekends) EMPLOYMENT (if applicable) Most recent employment Company name Position Supervisor and phone VOLUNTEER SERVICE Organization Length of service Position Supervisor and phone Length of service John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL

3 PREVIOUS SHEDD PROGRAMS Program name(s) and date(s) OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES (clubs, hobbies, extra-curricular activities) RECOMMENDATIONS A letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, counselor or principal must be included with this application. Name of person writing recommendation Last First Position at school Phone QUESTIONS How did you find out about the program? Shedd Staff/Volunteer Shedd website Shedd Social media (facebook, etc.) School teacher/counselor Friend/family Other (please list) Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. Responses should be typed or neatly printed and returned with this application. 1. What are you interested in gaining from this program experience? 2. What job related strengths will you bring to the program experience? 3. Using the internet, go to Shedd s website and choose an animal from the Explore by Animal tab. What would you say to a guest to get them excited to learn about this animal if they have never heard of the animal before? John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL

4 Application Requirements checklist: Did you remember to. Read and complete all three pages of this application, including your signature on this page. Read, sign, and include the Fall Season 2014 Important s Form. Include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Attach a separate sheet of paper with your answer to the essay questions. Complete and sign the communications waiver. Application due date is July 15, Applications must be postmarked by July 15, 2014, to be considered. Signed Please return completed form by mail or scan/ to: Sandra Allen Guest Engagement Department John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL Phone: sallen@sheddaquarium.org Sorry, we are unable to accept faxed applications. Thank you for applying to Shedd Aquarium s work-study program! John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL

5 Fall Season 2014 Important s Below is a list of critically important dates for work study program participants. Please carefully review them prior to submitting an application. Your attendance at these meetings and trainings is required. If you are selected for this program you must be available to attend ALL of the dates listed below. Please sign below to indicate you understand your role in participating during each of the event dates. A parent/guardian signature is also required. Fall 2014 season July 15 th August 12 th September 23 rd September 28 th October 5 th October 11 th October 12 th October 18 th November 8 th December 13 th December 31 st Applications due Interviews for selected applicants New Employee Orientation Foundational Training Foundational Training Mandatory On-Shift Training Mandatory On-Shift Training Shifts Begin (work days will be primarily Saturdays and Sundays) Field Trip to Black Partridge Woods (Lemont, IL) Final Event Celebration Teen Work Study Program Ends Applicant Name (Print) Applicant Name (Sign) Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Name (Sign) John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL

6 Parental Consent for Communications Child s Name Address City State Zip code Parent/Guardian Name Phone I attest that I am the parent/legal guardian of the above-named child. By executing the statement below, I authorize my child to communicate with the John G. Shedd Aquarium and its employees, volunteers, and agents ( Shedd ) via electronic communications, including but not limited to . I understand that Shedd wishes to enable such communications between Shedd and my child in order to facilitate conversations on such topics as college and career planning and opportunities to participate in current or future Shedd programs as well as to respond to questions my child may have related to academic or extracurricular reports or projects. I understand that the information collected will not be sold or transferred to third parties. (For more information about how Shedd uses such information, please refer to the Shedd Privacy Policy on the Shedd s website.) I understand that I can contact Shedd at any time to determine what information about my child has been collected, to confirm how that information is used, or to request that Shedd no longer communicate with or collect information about my child. I also understand that it is important to provide accurate information in this consent form in case Shedd needs to contact me for any reason. I further understand and acknowledge and hereby waive and release any and all rights, claims and causes of action whatsoever I may have against Shedd, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators with regard to the communications described herein or their collection and/or use. I have carefully read and understand the contents of this document, and have the right and authority to execute this consent and release. I agree that this document is to be interpreted under the laws of the State of Illinois without resort to its conflict of laws rules, and I hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Illinois. Parent/Guardian Signature _ John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL