Part-Time Planetarium Educator

The Role   
The Planetarium Educator is a member of the STEM team at Liberty Science Center and will: (1) present dynamic live programs in the LSC’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the Weston Family Lab for Earth and Space Exploration, summer camps, scout programs, evening 18 events and other venues; (2) run film programs and laser light shows. (3) create new planetarium programs, Science on a Sphere presentations, laser light shows, online programs and summer camp programs; and (4) present online programs in astronomy, space sciences, and earth sciences.

This Planetarium Educator will report to the Planetarium Director and will work closely with members of the STEM Education department. Furthermore, it is expected that the Planetarium Educator is engaged in the life of the organization!

What You’ll Bring
As a Planetarium Educator, you are passionate about presenting astronomy, space science, and earth topics to school groups of all ages and the general public. A skilled and dynamic presenter, you can keep a theater of up to 400 visitors engaged in live programming. You are effective as well in informal teaching situations, such as in LSC’s Weston Family Lab for Earth and Space Exploration, presenting programs for school groups, scout audiences, and summer camp attendees. You are adept at presenting virtual programs to school groups, the general public, and special events using Zoom, Google Meet, and other digital education platforms.

What You’ll Do
The essential functions of the Planetarium Educator role are as follows:

1. Deliver energetic, engaging live programs in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, Weston Lab, and other venues that bring astronomy and earth sciences to life for LSC’s audiences, including school groups, the general public, and attendees at special events
2. Operate and perform basic maintenance on audio-visual and digital equipment, both within the planetarium and with platforms and programs used for remote educational programs
3. Present 45-90-minute-long astronomy workshops onsite to school groups, scout groups who are fulfilling merit badge requirements
4. Research, develop, and deliver live programs on earth sciences and astronomy to school groups, the general public, and special events in the Weston Family Lab for Earth and Space Exploration, an educational venue centered around NOAA’s Science on a Sphere
5. Operate automated programs such as full dome movies and laser light shows, while providing engaging live introductions and other enhancements to the movie and laser show experiences
6. Set up and operate telescope stations onsite; assist visitors with using telescopes, provide ongoing astronomy content at telescope events
7. Present online programs in astronomy, space science, climate change, and other aspects of earth science for students, other groups, and the general public using platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet
8. Work with other members of the Planetarium team in the creation of original laser light shows set to music using LSC’s Pangolin programming software
9. Produce planetarium content for special events, school groups and the general public via Evans and Sutherland’s Digistar software
10. Give planetarium and Science on a Sphere presentations for potential funders, board members, and organizational partners
11. Collaborate inter-divisionally on developing and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue
12. Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of our diverse audience members
13. Collaborate in the teaching and development of programs across STEM Education teams
14. Deliver outreach astronomy programs to schools and other off-site venues using our portable planetarium, portable educational spheres, and other educational tools
15. Other duties, as business needs require   

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

1. Excellent communication, public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills
2. Demonstrated experience in presentations to large groups
3. Understanding of current trends in astronomy and space science education
4. Experience in using telescopes
5. Experience in presenting online programs over platforms such as Zoom; experience in webcasting technologies such as OBS
6. Skilled in editing and adapting video and other content to full dome format
7. Ability to contribute to a multicultural organization and serve students with diverse needs

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, education, animation, or a related STEM discipline; equivalent professional experience will also be considered
2. Acting experience is strongly preferred
3. Experience in venues that involve engaging and holding the attention of large audiences
4. 1 years of experience in ALL of the following:
   1. Working, operating, and presenting in a planetarium setting
   2. Using digital full-dome systems to create planetarium programs (experience in Evans and Sutherland’s Digistar system would be a significant plus)
   3. Operating and maintaining telescopes
   4. Designing and delivering content for summer camps
   5. Teaching student groups in either formal or informal settings
   6. Being an active member of regional, national, and/or international astronomy professional educational organizations

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Planetarium Educator may manage and provide coaching to volunteer planetarium educators with the goal of establishing an environment where the highest standards of program presentation are adopted.

Classification, Schedule, & Work Location
This is a regular, part-time position that is non-exempt, meaning you are eligible to earn overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 hours in LSC’s standard work week, which runs Saturday through Friday. All overtime must be approved in advance by your supervisor.

Given that LSC is open on weekends and most major holidays, all employees must be available to work a flexible schedule as business needs require. The Planetarium Educator must be available to work weekends consistently. The position also entails working during some of LSC’s evening events, such as LSC After Dark, VIP receptions, and facility rentals.

This position must be available to work onsite at Liberty Science Center. This role is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

Travel
Some travel to local schools and other venues for delivering astronomy outreach programs may become part of the position. Possible travel out of state to attend conferences and training related to the position.

Compensation & Benefits
The Planetarium Educator is compensated at a rate of $21.00 per hour. Liberty Science Center also provides partial benefits and perks to all eligible part-time employees, including:

1. Paid vacation time
2. Paid sick time
3. A LSC Membership (for two adults four children)
4. 25% discount in LSC’s gift shop
5. 15% discount in LSC’s café
6. Free onsite parking

​​​​Physical Demands
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

 The ability to work for long periods of time at a computer in an open environment is required. This position also must be comfortable with extensive public speaking, often in noisy environments, as well as comfortable working in environments that may have strobe lights. This position involves working in a dark theater, so you must be able to move around in dimly lit spaces, including climbing up and down stairs. The planetarium control system is up one flight of stairs, so the ability to access the control system is necessary for this role.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to not only our guests but also one another. 

Our Environment
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Not only is Jersey City easy to get to from any points in Northern NJ and Manhattan, but it also holds the title of the most diverse city in the United States. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. In addition, all employees have access to a terrace with stunning NYC views.

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Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

• To find out more, visit lsc.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Salary : $21