As its summer 2018 opening approaches, the Bell Museum’s Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium (Minnesota, USA) is looking for a person with a passion and enthusiasm for sharing astronomy with the public to fill the position of the Planetarium Educator. The primary purpose of the position is to implement live and pre-recorded programming to diverse PreK-12 and public audiences. The position will also collaborate with the planetarium staff to develop new planetarium programs and plan and implement astronomy and Earth science-based events, and implement programs in the portable ExploraDome planetarium.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in science, education, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with PreK-12 and/or public audiences in a formal, informal, or museum setting; or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience totaling 6 years.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of astronomy.
• Demonstrated ability to comfortably present science content and answer questions from public audiences.
• Access to a reliable source of transportation for off-site programs.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.

Desired Qualifications:

• Planetarium presentation experience
• Formal education or experience in science and STEM program development and experience applying this knowledge to program implementation.
• Ability to organize time and work in a highly effective manner.
• Ability to express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Must be adaptable, flexible, dedicated and dependable.
• Ability to work in a team setting.
• Skill in resourcefulness and creativity.
• Familiarity with NGSS and MN Academic Science Standards

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages)

Planetarium and Astronomy Program Delivery (70%)

• Deliver planetarium programs for PreK-12 groups while school is in session, an average of 3 days per week (12 shows)
• Deliver planetarium programs as needed for public audiences year round
• Assist with telescope observing sessions
• Implement programs in the portable ExploraDome planetarium at offsite locations as needed, up to 2 days per week.

Show Production and Planetarium Technology Support (15%)

• Using various media (Uniview, film clips, photographs, diagrams, etc.) produce visuals to accompany and convey the storylines and science of new and existing planetarium shows
• Keep up to date on the latest releases of planetarium software and other new media
• Monitor day-to-day routine operation of the planetarium

Curriculum Development (10%)

Work in collaboration with planetarium staff on:

• Development of new planetarium programs
• Development of educator guides for planetarium programs
• Development and implementation astronomy and Earth science -based special events

Support of STEM Education Programs (5%)

Attend conferences and fairs to promote programs.

Assist at Bell Museum events on an as needed basis.

Working Hours

Must be available Monday-Friday between 8 am – 4 pm. The working day may start as early as 6:30 a.m. when implementing offsite portable planetarium programs. There will be occasional evening and weekend shifts, and working hours will be adjusted to stay within the maximum of 40 hours per week.

About the Department

The mission of the Museum is to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. For over 140 years, the Bell Museum has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state’s official natural history museum. As the museum prepares to open a new museum building in summer 2018, its role is expanding to become the gateway to the sciences at the University of Minnesota. While natural history remains a bedrock for the Bell, astronomy and space science, health and medicine, the environment, and other subject areas afford the Bell opportunities for new partnerships and the development of new experiences for public science engagement.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 13th. To be considered for this position, please visit the official website at the Univeristy of Minnesota.