Join our Team!

The Burpee Museum is always looking to connect with individuals who want to play an integral role in advancing our mission. Whether facilitating exhibits, assisting with research, engaging with guests, or enhancing the visitor experience, Burpee offers a variety of opportunities—including seasonal, part-time, and permanent positions.

To apply, please complete the online application below.

All Positions Require:

• A passion for the natural sciences
• A positive attitude
• Ability to pass a background check

Please check your specific position for additional qualifications

Open Positions

Visitor Experience Department

• Visitor Services Associate
• Operations Associate*

Position: Museum Educator

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Priority Deadline: April 15, 2026

Applications received by this date will receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Part time and full time options are currently open.

Position: Museum Educator

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History seeks an engaging and collaborative educator to support the museum’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning about the natural world. This role contributes to the development and delivery of dynamic educational programming while actively engaging with guests, students, and families throughout the museum.

Burpee’s educators are an integral part of the visitor experience, connecting classroom learning with real-time discovery on the museum floor. This position works closely with colleagues across departments to ensure that educational programming is aligned with exhibitions, collections, and public engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Program Development and Delivery
Develop and deliver educational content under the guidance of museum leadership for programs including field trips, homeschool classes, workshops, and outreach experiences.
Teach structured programs using provided curriculum, while adapting delivery to meet audience needs and learning styles.

Public Engagement and Guest Experience
Actively engage with museum visitors on the exhibit floor, serving as an accessible and knowledgeable resource during daily operations and special events.
Support a welcoming, interactive environment by connecting guests to exhibits, live animals, and scientific concepts.

Cross-Department Collaboration
Work collaboratively with staff across departments to ensure educational programming aligns with exhibitions, collections, and institutional priorities.
Contribute to museum-wide initiatives, including special events such as Monarch Fest and Holocene Holiday.

Program Operations and Classroom Management
Organize and manage student groups during programs, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment.
Prepare materials and spaces for educational programming, including setup and cleanup.

Professionalism and Institutional Representation
Serve as a representative of Burpee’s mission and values, modeling scientific thinking, curiosity, empathy, and inclusivity in all interactions.
Provide excellent customer service to guests, members, and colleagues.
Adhere to departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required.
College coursework or experience in natural sciences, education, or a related field preferred.

Professional Skills
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to engage effectively with children, families, and diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Comfort with basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Schedule Requirements

This position requires a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends, based on programming and event needs.

Position: Director of Research & Collections

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Priority Deadline: April 21, 2026

Applications received by this date will receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Position: Director of Research & Collections

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History seeks an accomplished scientist and leader to serve as Director of Science and Curator of Collections. This role provides strategic leadership for the museum’s scientific programs, overseeing internationally recognized paleontology and biology collections while guiding research, collections stewardship, and field exploration.

Burpee’s collections include premier specimens from the Cretaceous Hell Creek and Jurassic Morrison formations, as well as important comparative biological collections that support research, exhibitions, and public education.
The museum houses multiple holotypes and scientifically significant specimens, including Infernodrakon hastacollis and Nanotyrannus lethaeus (“Jane”), along with important research material including notable specimens of Anzu wyliei, Triceratops, extensive Cretaceous turtle material, and several undescribed vertebrate taxa. The collections also house a growing collection of vertebrate fossils from active field programs in the Jurassic of Utah and latest Cretaceous of Montana. Significant unpublished specimens from the Hanksville Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, one of the largest known bonebeds in the Jurassic Morrison Formation, provide exceptional opportunities for new research and publication.

The Director of Research and Collections will supervise the Jay and Barbara Brost Paleontology Lab; mentor staff, students, and volunteers, ; and lead Burpee’s long-standing tradition of field discovery, including annual expeditions to Montana and Utah, with potential for new field exploration of other locations. The successful candidate will help shape the museum’s scientific vision while strengthening collaborations with universities, government agencies, and collaborative research partners.

Key Responsibilities

Collections Stewardship and Federal Compliance

• Provide experienced and professional oversight of the Museum’s paleontology and biology collections, ensuring specimens are managed and preserved according to museum best practices and federal regulations, including the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA).
• Maintain Burpee’s standing as a trusted repository for federally collected paleontological resources by providing professional collections oversight and inventories; managing permits and annual reports; and facilitating and tracking research requests, loans, and sampling.
• Seek external funding to support collections activities and care, including grants from federal agencies and independent foundations.

 Research Leadership

• Develop and pursue an active, externally funded research program in vertebrate paleontology or a related discipline.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and foster collaborative research projects that leverage Burpee’s collections and established field programs.
• Coordinate with other associated researchers to maintain ongoing projects and develop new project directions that integrate professional development of students at every level.

Laboratory and Staff Supervision

• Direct operations of the Jay and Barbara Brost Paleontology Lab, supervising staff, students, interns, and a large volunteer corps engaged in fossil preparation, collections management, and research support
• Seek external support for laboratory activities and capacity, with attention to best practices and established safety standards.

Field Expeditions and Discovery

• Lead annual field expeditions to major fossil localities.
• Continue Burpee’s legacy of discovery associated with specimens
• Maintain strong relationships with federal land managers, research collaborators, local communities, and local land owners.

Public Science and Institutional Leadership

• Serve as a public ambassador for Burpee’s scientific work through lectures, media engagement, and signature programs such as the Museum’s annual PaleoFest.
• Contribute to exhibition development and public interpretation that connects research with public engagement.

Grants and Scientific Partnerships
Secure external funding through competitive grants and philanthropic partnerships to support collections care, field research, and laboratory operations.

Collections Digitization and Data Management

• Maintain records of accessioned material and associated data in an accessible format
• Lead modernization of collections records and digitization efforts to ensure accessibility for the global research community.  

Qualifications

Education
Minimum requirement of Master’s degree in Paleontology, Geology, Biology or a closely related field; PhD preferred 

Experience
Demonstrated experience in naturalnaturaly history collections management
Active research record and and record of scientific publication
Experience conducting field research and supervising field crews strongly preferred

Professional Skills
Expertise in vertebrate paleontology fossil preparation and field excavation
Familiarity with federal and state permitting for paleontological research and collecting
Experience supervising laboratory teams and mentoring students and volunteers
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public speaking

Physical Requirements
Ability to lead field expeditions that may involve hiking in rugged terrain, remote field conditions, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds.

How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum vitae
Statement of research and curatorial vision in alignment with the mission of the Burpee Museum of Natural History
Three professional references

Materials should be sent to:
Anne Weerda
Executive Director
Burpee Museum of Natural History
anne.weerda@burpee.org

Updated March 2026 to reflect refinements: title change and updated role requirements.

Position: Visitor Services Associate

Part time and full time options are currently open

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Position: Visitor Services Associate

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History seeks a friendly, organized, and service-oriented individual to serve as a Visitor Services Associate. This role is central to the guest experience, providing a welcoming first impression while supporting daily operations across admissions, retail, and general inquiries.

Visitor Services Associates are key ambassadors of the museum, ensuring that every guest interaction reflects Burpee’s commitment to curiosity, learning, and community engagement. This position works closely with staff across departments to support programs, events, and overall museum operations.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Services and Front Desk Operations
Greet all guests in a warm, professional, and engaging manner, creating a positive and welcoming environment.
Answer phones and direct inquiries appropriately, providing accurate information about museum programs, events, and operations.
Assist guests with admissions, memberships, program registrations, and general questions.
Process transactions for admissions, retail sales, donations, and program registrations using point-of-sale systems.

Public Engagement and Communication
Serve as a knowledgeable resource for visitors, helping connect them to exhibits, programs, and museum offerings.
Maintain clear and professional communication with guests, staff, and external partners.

Cross-Department Support
Collaborate with education, facilities, and other museum staff to support daily operations, programs, and events.
Assist with museum programs, special events, and fundraisers as scheduled, including evenings and weekends.

Retail and Admissions Operations
Maintain an organized and welcoming gift shop, including restocking merchandise and monitoring inventory levels.
Follow established procedures for point-of-sale transactions and reporting.

Facility Readiness and Closing Procedures
Assist in ensuring museum spaces are clean, organized, and ready for visitors each day.
Support opening and closing procedures, including securing the building and preparing exhibits for daily operations.

Professionalism and Institutional Representation
Provide excellent customer service to all guests, members, and colleagues.
Represent Burpee’s mission and values through positive interactions and professional conduct.
Adhere to all departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required.
College coursework or experience in customer service, hospitality, education, or a related field preferred.

Professional Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Comfort with computer systems and basic software, including Google Workspace and point-of-sale platforms.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and efficiency in transactions and communications.

Schedule Requirements

This position requires a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and special events, as needed.

Position: Visitor Services & Operations Associate

Overview

The Visitor Services & Facilities Support Associate plays a dual role in delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the museum’s facilities and exhibits are clean, safe, and well-maintained. This position supports front-line customer service operations, event coordination, and basic facility upkeep, contributing to a welcoming and engaging environment for all visitors.

This position plays a key role in ensuring that museum spaces, programs, and events are ready for engagement, while providing high-quality customer service at the front desk and throughout the museum.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Services and Guest Experience

•  Provide outstanding customer service to museum members, guests, and visitors.
• Serve as a primary point of contact at the front desk, including greeting visitors, answering and directing
• phone calls, and responding to general inquiries.
• Process transactions using point-of-sale systems for admissions, gift shop purchases, donations, and program registrations.
•  Assist with registration and coordination of programs, events, and group visits.
  Support museum programs, events, and fundraisers, including evenings and weekends as scheduled.

Museum Operations and Facility Readiness

•  Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized museum environment.
•  Support exhibit setup and basic operational tasks to ensure spaces are functional and visitor-ready.
•  Monitor exhibit areas and report any issues promptly.
•  Help prepare the museum for daily operations, including opening readiness and end-of-day closing procedures.
•  Perform general cleaning and upkeep tasks, including floors, restrooms, and shared spaces.

Events and Program Support

•  Set up and reset event spaces, including arranging tables, chairs, and materials according to specifications.
• Ensure event and program spaces are clean, organized, and ready for use.
•  Assist with the implementation of rentals, including birthday parties and special events.
•  Support event operations as scheduled, including evenings and weekends.

General Responsibilities

•  Support the museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning about the natural world.
• Interact professionally and positively with diverse audiences, including children, families, and community members.
•  Collaborate with museum staff across departments to support daily operations and programs.
•  Maintain compliance with all museum policies and procedures.
•  Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required.
College coursework or experience in customer service, education, natural sciences, or a related field preferred.

Professional Skills

•  Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
•  Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
•  Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
•  Comfort with computers and basic software, including Google Workspace and point-of-sale systems.
•  Adaptability and willingness to take initiative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Work in a clean, climate-controlled, and well-lit environment.
•  Split time between public-facing areas (front desk, gift shop) and behind-the-scenes operational tasks.
•  Occasionally work outdoors to support events, programs, or facility needs.
•  Use a variety of tools and supplies, including standard office equipment and basic cleaning materials.
•  Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

What follows are internships that may or many not have a stipend associated with them.  We are happy to assist interns with seeking funding and encourage interns to apply for funding from their university of high school when possible.

Position: Museum Operations Intern (High School)

Part time and full time options are currently open

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Position Overview:

The Museum Operations Intern will assist across multiple departments at Burpee Museum—including Education, Facilities, and Visitor Services—to support daily operations, prepare for events, and enhance the visitor experience. This is a hands-on opportunity for a high school student interested in science, museums, customer service, and behind-the-scenes logistics.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in high school 
• Interest in science, education, museums, or customer service 
• Friendly, dependable, and eager to learn 
• Willing to assist with cleaning, organizing, and event setup 
• Comfortable working with children and interacting with guests 
• Able to follow instructions and work both independently and on a team 

Key Responsibilities:

Education Support

• Help prepare materials and clean classrooms before/after programs 
• Assist with children’s activities during classes and family events 
• Support field trip and camp activities (training and supervision provided) 

Facilities Support

• Help with basic cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, and tidying program spaces 
• Assist with room and exhibit setup or teardown for public events 
• Help ensure public spaces are neat and guest-ready 

Visitor Services Support

• Greet visitors and help answer general questions about the museum 
• Provide friendly support during events, field trips, and family days 
• Restock gift shop shelves 
• Operate Point of Sale to check out visitors for basic purchases such as museum admission and gift shop purchases.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain behind-the-scenes experience in museum operations 
• Learn about science communication and public engagement 
• Build workplace skills in customer service, communication, and organization 
• Explore potential career paths in science, education, and hospitality 

Additional Info:

• Interns may be asked to wear a museum shirt, or other business casual appropriate attire, and name badge during shifts 
• This position requires standing, light lifting, and some weekend availability 
• Interns must be respectful of museum property and follow all safety guidelines

Do you still have questions?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about employment at Burpee@burpee.org.

Please include your full name in the subject line and indicate your questions and interests.