Museum Planetarium Educator

Museum Planetarium Educator

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600211

Department

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Opening Date

09/04/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 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 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 materials
• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Licenses/Certifications

• 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.

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, 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 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 professional work experience do you have writing code?

• No experience
• Less than one year of experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 or more years of experience

03

What coding languages do you have experience using?

04

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 1 year of experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 or more years of experience

05

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

• No experience developing programs
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 or more years of experience

06

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

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a valid North Carolina Drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you eligible to obtain a NC Drivers License?

• Yes
• No
• n/a - already have NC DL

09

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

• Yes
• No

10

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

11

Are you willing to work a regular schedule of Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 to 5:00, with the flexibility to cover some evenings and Sundays / Mondays for events and programs?

• Yes
• No

12

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

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