Museum Planetarium Educator

New Hanover County; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Fear Museum is seeking a Planetarium Educator to bring a brand-new 60-seat digital dome to life for visitors of all ages. The role operates the planetarium using Digistar software, leads engaging shows, and designs curriculum-based educational experiences for schools and the public.

It offers a dynamic museum environment where hands-on science education meets advanced technology. The educator works with the Museum Manager of Education and Planetarium Supervisor to ensure a smooth 7-day

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Computer Science, Museum Studies, Graphic Design, Astronomy, Physics, or related field; and three years of museum, planetarium, or classroom education experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate planetarium equipment and Digistar software; lead full-dome and live shows for schools and the public.
• Design curriculum-based educational experiences and materials aligned with NC standards.
• Coordinate scheduling, calendars, and teaching schedules with education staff as well as volunteers.

Job description

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

• 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.

Educational Programming and Curriculum Development

• 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.

Scheduling, Volunteers, and Resources

• 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.

Museum Teams and Community Engagement

• 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.

Departmental and General Responsibilities

• 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 materialsli>
• 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

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

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.

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.