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:

• Independently operates planetarium equipment and software; develops and leads both full-dome video and live planetarium shows to schools, groups, and general visitors, including coding buttons and show elements in the Digistar software.
• Maintains and troubleshoots planetarium equipment and software — especially when working independently — ensuring planetarium shows and programs are available 7 days a week during all operating hours.
• Modifies programs to reflect the content needs of the audience and the current night sky and astronomy events.

• Designs, develops, and implements curriculum-based educational programs and events in astronomy, history, science, or multi-disciplines for school audiences in accordance with NC standards, and public programs and events for all ages, in conjunction with the Museum Education Team; develops effective pre- and post-visit materials, evaluations, and program kits.
• Researches and maintains content knowledge for all Museum programs and exhibits; teaches as needed.
• Assists with researching and writing grants for educational programs.

• Develops program and planetarium calendars and coordinates program, planetarium, and teaching schedules with colleagues and the Museum Manager.
• Provides direction to volunteer "ushers" during planetarium programs and assists in training and overseeing them as needed, in coordination with the Museum Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
• Purchases, organizes, and maintains planetarium components, educational materials, teaching kits, and supplies assigned to education staff; ensures their proper availability, storage, and safety.

• Participates in general Education Team and Museum meetings; meets weekly with the Planetarium Supervisor to ensure a smooth, consistent 7-day-a-week operation.
• Works with education and exhibit teams to design, plan, fabricate, and install museum exhibits, incorporating best practices of museum interpretation, especially when related to astronomy or similar disciplines.
• Represents the Museum at community organizations and builds connections with other Museum professionals and key community contacts to strengthen core knowledge and skills and apply to Museum planning.
• Assists with the promotion of programs and events through content development, video creation, and networking.

• Manages public operations of department on a rotating basis; opens and closes facility; responds to customer, facility, and/or security issues that arise.
• Assists with department budget.
• Completes regular training in planetarium equipment and in program content and delivery; attends annual mandatory trainings.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Knowledge, skills, or abilities:

• 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.

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.

• 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.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include:

• Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Employee assistance program;
• 100% employer paid long term disability;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.

All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.