Museum Planetarium Educator

Planetarium Educator

Do you have a passion for science and a talent for inspiring curiosity in others? Cape Fear Museum is looking for an enthusiastic Planetarium Educator to help bring our brand-new 60-seat digital dome to life for visitors of all ages. This role operates the planetarium using Digistar software, leads engaging shows and programs, and designs curriculum-based educational experiences for both school groups and the general public. This role is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on science education with state-of-the-art technology in a dynamic museum environment.

This position is ideal for someone who is comfortable both in front of an audience and behind the controls of complex equipment, and who takes pride in making science accessible and exciting for everyone. The Planetarium Educator reports to the Museum Manager of Education and works in close daily coordination with the Planetarium Supervisor.

Essential duties include:

• Planetarium Operations and Technology
• Educational Programming and Curriculum Development
• Scheduling, Volunteers, and Resources
• Museum Teams and Community Engagement
• Departmental and General Responsibilities

Knowledge, skills, or abilities include:

• Knowledge of educational programming principles, learning standards, teaching techniques, and museum best practices
• Knowledge of astronomy, physics, and/or other science and history subjects
• Knowledge of planetarium projector hardware and software systems (specifically Digistar), computers, and application software
• Coding and scripting skills sufficient to create, modify, and troubleshoot planetarium content
• Video editing skills
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with the general public, coworkers, supervisor, etc.
• Skill in research and in the writing of educational materials
• Skill in the development of programs targeted for specific groups and audiences
• Skill in the training and supervision of volunteers
• Skill in the scheduling and coordination of events
• Skill in the operation of standard office equipment
• Skill in the organization and prioritization of work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility will be required to cover some evening and Sunday/Monday events and programs. Must be available to report for emergency work assignments during emergency situations.

Employment Type: Full Time, non-exempt Salary Information: The target hiring range for this position is $49,184 to $63,997. The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $49,184 to $78,811. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Education, Computer Science, Museum Studies, Graphic Design, Astronomy, Physics, other science fields, or related field; and three (3) years of museum, planetarium, or classroom education experience that includes developing and leading history and science programs or planetarium shows; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by the first date of employment with good driving record.

Other Information

Applicant Information: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.