Museum 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 7 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.

• Independently operates planetarium equipment and software. Leads planetarium programs and shows. Designs, develops, and implements curriculum-based educational programs and events for school and public audiences in astronomy and related disciplines in conjunction with the Museum Education Team and Planetarium Supervisor.
• Designs, develops, and implements curriculum-based educational programs and events for school children in history, science, or multi-disciplines, in accordance with NC standards, and public educational programs and events for all ages; develops effective pre- and post-visit materials, evaluations, and program kits.
• Develops program and planetarium calendars and coordinates program, planetarium, and teaching schedules with colleagues and supervisor.
• Coordinates and leads planetarium programs/shows while overseeing/utilizing volunteer "ushers" in coordination with the Education Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
• Completes regular training in planetarium equipment; program content and delivery; and assists in training/overseeing volunteer "ushers" as needed.
• Develops and presents both full-dome video and live planetarium shows to schools, groups, and visitors in the planetarium, in coordination with their supervisor.
• Maintains/troubleshoots planetarium equipment and software - especially on Sundays and Mondays when they work independently - ensuring planetarium shows/programs are available 7 days-a-week, during all operating hours.
• Maintains equipment, materials, teaching kits and supplies assigned to the education staff and assures their proper availability, storage, and safety.
• Modifies programs depending on content needs of the audience and the current night sky/astronomy events. Note that events may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and special celestial occurrences.
• Purchases, organizes, and maintains planetarium components and educational materials in coordination with their manager and the Planetarium Supervisor.
• Participates in general Education Team and Museum meetings. Meets weekly with the Planetarium Supervisor to ensure a smooth, consistent 7-day-a-week operation.
• Participates with education and exhibit teams on assigned projects to incorporate best practices of museum interpretation into exhibits - especially when related to astronomy or similar disciplines.
• Works with museum exhibit team to design, plan, fabricate, and install museum exhibits when needed.
• Researches and maintains content knowledge for all Museum programs and exhibits; and teaches as needed.
• Represents the Museum by serving at various community organizations.
• Identifies, develops, and maintains connections with other Museum professionals and key community contacts to strengthen core knowledge and skills and apply to Museum planning.
• Researches, writes, and administers grants for educational programs.
• 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.
• Assists with the promotion of programs and events through content development, video creation, and networking.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Attends annual mandatory trainings.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Knowledge of educational programming principles, learning standards and teaching techniques, and museum best practices; communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with the general public, coworkers, supervisor, etc.; skilled in verbal and written communications; knowledge of astronomy, physics, and/or other science and history subjects; knowledge of planetarium projector hardware and software systems (specifically Digistar 7 and ChromaCove system); video editing skills; using computers and application software; researching and writing educational materials; writing articles and reports; training volunteers; scheduling and coordinating events; developing programs targeted for specific groups; operating standard office equipment; organizing and prioritizing work assignments; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Sunday - Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Flexibility will be required to cover some evening and Friday/Saturday events and programs. Must be available to report for emergency work assignments during emergency situations.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• 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, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Required Education and Experience:

• Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Education, Museum Studies, Graphic Design, Astronomy, Physics, other science fields, or related field; and three (3) years of museum or classroom education experience that includes developing and teaching children's and adult programs in history and science; 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 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.

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. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

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.