Museum Planetarium Educator

Museum Planetarium Educator

Salary

$49,184.00 - $78,811.00 Annually

Location

Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600138

Department

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Information

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE

• 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, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

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.

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:

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.

Employment Type:

Full Time, exempt

Salary Information:

The hiring salary range for this position is $49,184.00 $63,997.50 annually, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

New Hanover County offers:

• 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!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Qualifications

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.

Licenses/Certifications

• 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.

Other Information

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.

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.

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Note: 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.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Museum Studies, Graphic Design, Astronomy, Physics, other science fields, or related field; and three (3) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have leading school or public programs in a planetarium, classroom, or informal learning environment?

• No experience leading programs
• Less than one year leading programs
• One to three years leading programs
• 3 years or greater leading programs

03

How many years of experience have you had developing original hands-on programs for schools and/or public audiences?

• No related work experience developing programs
• Less than 1 year developing programs
• 1 year but fewer than 3 years developing programs
• 3 years or more developing programs

04

Do you have any professional work experience with the operation of planetarium software and/or equipment?

• Yes
• No

05

Briefly describe your experience working with Digistar 7 planetarium software or other planetarium operating systems.

06

Do you have a valid North Carolina Drivers license?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you eligible to obtain a NC Drivers License?

• Yes
• No
• n/a - already have NC DL

08

Have you had your drivers license suspended or revoked for any reason in the last three years?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you had 2 or more driving violation tickets in the previous 12 months or 3 or more in the previous 25 months? *Please note: Answering yes to this question will not automatically disqualify you from consideration for the position.

• Yes
• No

10

Are you willing to work a regular Sunday - Thursday 8-5 schedule with flexed hours to cover additional programs on occasional evenings and Fridays/Saturdays?"

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer New Hanover County

Address 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403

Phone 910-798-7178

910-798-7178

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nhc