Science Education Specialist

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Science Education Specialist to join the Programs Team. This 11-month position delivers on-site and off-site education programs and supports outreach initiatives, including the North Carolina Science Festival.

The role involves hands-on STEM activities and program coordination. The position is full-time temporary (SHRA), 40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with one year of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in informal science education is preferred.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on STEM activities as part of Morehead on-site and off-site education programs.
• Provide program administrative support, testing activities and assist with professional development opportunities.
• Support initiatives such as the North Carolina Science Festival and coordinate activities as directed by programs managers.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department Morehead Planetarium - 524500

Career Area Student Services

Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title Science Education Specialist

Position Number 01098072

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings, weekends, and overtime hours.

Hiring Range $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Proposed Start Date 10/12/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months or longer

Position Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center opened in 1949 as the first planetarium on a college campus in the United States. During the 1960s and 1970s, Morehead trained 62 NASA astronauts (including 11 of the 12 men who walked on the Moon) in celestial navigation. By Morehead's 50th anniversary in 1999, more than five million spectators - half of them schoolchildren - had visited its Star Theater to learn about the cosmos.

Morehead expanded its mission in 2000, becoming not only a gateway to the stars, but a gateway to all the sciences. Today, its programming reflects the expanded mission to help people better understand science, technology, and health through state-of-the-art full dome planetarium shows, exhibits, camps, hands-on classes, and statewide outreach programming.

In 2020, Morehead completed a $9M renovation that expanded its exhibit space which now includes more than 6,000 square feet of exhibit space that highlight a range of science disciplines.

Position Summary

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center seeks a Science Education Specialist to join the Programs Team. This 11-month position provides the ideal candidate with unique opportunities to gain experience in science program execution and coordination. The Science Education Specialist will deliver Morehead on-site and off-site education programs as well as support initiatives such as the North Carolina Science Festival. Duties will include but are not limited to leading hands-on STEM activities, providing program administrative support, testing activities, and assisting with professional development opportunities. The specialist will explore other areas of science education as determined by the programs managers. Occasional overnight travel; flexible work locations possible if mutually beneficial.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preferences

• Coursework in science and/or education fields
• Experience in informal science education
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to move/maneuver up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.