Astronomy Educator - Part-Time - $12 Hourly

All applicants must apply online. Link below:

https://scmuseum.org/who-we-are/human-resources/job-openings#part-time-positions

The South Carolina State Museum seeks a highly motivated and dependable part-time Astronomy Educator to support its various astronomy related programs. This primarily involves assisting in the daily operation of the museum's observatory and on-site planetarium, presenting both education and entertainment programs to a wide variety of audiences, including school groups, as well as maintaining facility cleanliness. Additionally, this role involves taking the museum's portable digital planetarium to schools around the state, presenting live standards-based astronomy programs to school children. This role also involves developing astronomy-related activities for camps and various events, as well as creating and assembling content for the on-site theater using specialized software. While this position focuses heavily on the subject of astronomy, presentation of other STEM-related educational and public programs may occasionally be required.

It is essential to have a flexible schedule and be available to support daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday programs as dictated by museum needs. For this position, regular weekday availability is essential, with some weekend requirements as well. A strong interest in astronomy, excellent communication skills and eagerness to learn are more important than pre-existing astronomy/night-sky knowledge. Training will be provided. Anyone who loves science, enjoys working with the public and seeks to share in the joy of learning should apply!

Position Responsibilities:

• Operate observatory telescope, with attention to safety and weather concerns (training provided)
• Welcome observatory guests and facilitate observatory visitor interaction and conversational learning experiences. Group sizes range from individuals/small families to school groups of up to 50 students.
• Present live and pre-recorded planetarium shows, laser shows, and other educational programs to museum guests of all ages in the museum's permanent 55-foot, 145-seat digital dome theater.
• Present live shows to school groups in the museum's 16-foot digital inflatable planetarium, which seats up to 30 people at a time
• Maintain observatory/planetarium cleanliness through basic housekeeping and assist with troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Under guidance of the Planetarium Manager, assist with developing, assembling and implementing content for the planetarium as well as hands-on activities for summer camps that are primarily, but not exclusively, astronomy related.
• Conduct general administrative tasks such as data entry,
• Support other educational events and programs as museum needs arise.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• Have working knowledge or be willing to quickly learn basic astronomy concepts, the night sky, and other related STEM subjects.
• Must have engaging public speaking skills and be able to convey complex topics to a wide range of audiences.
• Must be able to effectively manage time and complete tasks with limited direct supervision.
• Must possess enthusiasm for presenting to and interacting with audiences of all ages, including children.
• Must be comfortable using computers and AV equipment and be willing to learn any new software or technologies that become essential to the daily operation of the observatory and planetarium.
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Must have a valid South Carolina driver's license.
• Must be able to present science content, mostly but not exclusively pertaining to astronomy in an accurate and engaging manner.
• Must be able to work for extended periods in a non-climate-controlled space, with both hot and cold temperatures.
• Must be able to climb a stair ladder.
• Must be able to work for extended periods of time in a dark theater environment. This includes the ability to multitask, troubleshoot, and present in a large dark room and be able to quickly navigate that room.
• Must be able to physically reach all parts of the observatory and planetarium, including tight crawl spaces and maintenance areas only accessible by steps or ladders, and frequently traverse stairs.
• Must be comfortable running laser shows, which involve mildly flickering lights.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications:
•  Experience in formal or informal education or working with the public.
•  Basic computer programming skills a plus.
•  Experience with small telescopes a plus.