Bell Museum Planetarium Educator

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota's Bell Museum seeks a Planetarium Educator to deliver astronomy education to diverse school and public audiences. The role involves helping with programming logistics, materials, and on-site preparation, and mentoring Planetarium Guide staff.

Responsibilities include presenting on-site and virtual planetarium programs, preparing visits, and supporting education initiatives at PESL and outreach venues. 16 hours per week, Tue-Fri, in Saint Paul.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in science or education; 2 years experience with K-12 youth in education setting or 4 years total experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of astronomy.
• Creative and team-oriented; thrives in a dynamic, flexible environment.
• Able to troubleshoot quickly with good humor and dependability.

Responsibilities

• Deliver astronomy education programming to diverse learners using varied teaching techniques.
• Present on-site planetarium programs and assist with virtual and on-site observing programs.
• Assist with visit preparation, logistics, materials, and technology management.
• Mentor Planetarium Guide staff in museum responsibilities and planetarium techniques.
• Support PESL and planetarium programs at museum and outreach venues, including events.

Skills

Astronomy knowledge

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

BA/BS in science or education

Job description

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview: The purpose of the Planetarium Educator position is to implement astronomy educational programming to diverse school and public audiences. The position will assist the planetarium and group reservations staff in logistical aspects of programming, including materials and technology management and on-site preparation.

Astronomy Programs Delivery (85%)

• Deliver programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through the use of a variety of teaching techniques.
  • Present on-site planetarium programs for school and public audiences as needed.
  • Assist with virtual and on-site observing programs as needed.
• Present from the planetarium located in the Bell Museum.
• Assist in visit preparation and other logistics for education programs.
• Participate in editing and/or program development collaborations.
• Mentor Planetarium Guide staff in a variety of museum responsibilities and planetarium
  techniques.

Support of Public Engagement and Science Learning Programs (15%)

• Step in to support PESL and planetarium programs at the museum and offsite outreach venues as
  needed, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Schedule:

• Tuesday - Friday, 8:45am- 3:15pm
• 16 hours per week
• Occasional evening shifts for planetarium and observing events may be requested.
• Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absences.

Location: Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus

Work Environment: In-person

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• BA or BS in science or education and a minimum of 2 years experience working with K - 12 youth
  in a formal, informal, or museum educational setting or equivalent experience totaling 4 years.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of astronomy
• Creative, enthusiastic, and thrives working in a team setting.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where flexibility, dependability, quickness to
  troubleshoot, and good humor are paramount

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of best practices in informal science education and inquiry-based learning
• Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program
  implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching
• Experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations

About the Department

The mission of the Museum is to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

For over 150 years, the Bell Museum of Natural History has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state's official natural history museum. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe.

The museum is powered by the great minds on campus-from our faculty-curators, student lab assistants, and undergraduate interpretive guides to our dedicated staff and collegiate partners.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the Universe and achieve our vision of a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.73 - $27.20 per hour ($53,518.4 - $56,576 annual salary); depending on education/qualifications/experience.

• Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.