STEM Educator

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: 24 Mar 2023

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Morehead Planetarium - 524500
Career Area Academic Administration
Posting Open Date 02/24/2023
Application Deadline 03/24/2023
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title STEM Educator
Position Number 20022190, 20022191, 20022192, 20022193, 20022194
Vacancy ID S020967
Full-time/Part-time Part-Time Temporary
Hours per week 20
Work Schedule
Monday-Sunday; 10am-6pm
Position Location
Hiring Range $10.61-$11.05 per hour
Proposed Start Date 04/03/2023
Estimated Duration of Appointment 5 months or less

Position Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center opened in 1949 as the first planetarium on a college campus in the United States. During the 1960s and 1970s, Morehead trained 62 NASA astronauts (including 11 of the 12 men who walked on the Moon) in celestial navigation. By Morehead’s 50th anniversary in 1999, more than five million spectators – half of them schoolchildren – had visited its Star Theater to learn about the cosmos.
Morehead expanded its mission in 2000, becoming not only a gateway to the stars, but a gateway to all the sciences. Today, its programming reflects the expanded mission to help people better understand science, technology, and health through state-of-the-art full dome planetarium shows, exhibits, camps, hands-on classes, and statewide outreach programming.
In 2020, Morehead completed a $9M renovation that expanded its exhibit space which now includes more than 6,000 square feet of exhibit space that highlight a range of science disciplines.
Position Summary
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hiring bright and enthusiastic UNC and other college students or recent graduates. Schedules are made based on your availability, and we ask for a commitment of at least 20 hours a week from June-August, with an opportunity to start before June for training. Applicants can chose to be trained in any or all of the following roles:
Launch Lab Makerspace Facilitators Saturdays and Sundays only – Launch Lab is a space where visitors get to tinker and create inspired by engineering challenge prompts. Facilitators are responsible for:
Setting up, maintaining, and cleaning up materials for the day’s project
Introducing the space and day’s project to visitors
Providing relevant background information about the project
Ensuring safe operation of tools and equipment by visitors by monitoring the space and teaching people how to safely use them
Encourage visitors through engineering process challenges using a growth mindset approach
Track makerspace attendance and contribute to Morehead Planetarium’s social media content when appropriate
Exhibit Educators Tuesday-Sunday- spend time with visitors on the exhibit floor, which highlights science happening on campus and Morehead history! Exhibit Educators are responsible for:
Turning on and off, troubleshooting, cleaning and maintaining exhibits (with training and guidance)
Facilitating quick rover cart activities related to exhibit content
Engaging with visitors by answering questions, showing how to use exhibits, etc.
Helping maintain crowds and groups as they move through the exhibit floor
Share feedback about visitors engagement with exhibits
Science Stage Presenters Monday-Sunday – present scripted STEM themed shows for groups and the general public. Science Stage Presenters are responsible for:
Public speaking while safely conduct engaging STEM themed demonstrations to groups of 2-80 visitors of various ages
Learning 20-45 minute show scripts and demonstration procedures
Set-up, maintain, and clean-up show materials
Train in lab safety, including use of liquid Nitrogen, fire, and chemicals
Track show attendance
Give feedback about shows
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Enthusiasm about being part of fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all visitors
Strong growth and service mindset
Desire to learn, troubleshoot, and create alongside visitors
Confidence speaking to visitors and explaining or interpreting scientific topics (If you don’t have a science background, don’t worry – we’ll teach you the science!)
Ability to problem solve and provide quality customer service
Ability to prioritize tasks
Ability to commit to an assigned work schedule, stay in communication with staff, and arrive on time for work
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience working in a museum or other informal learning environment
Experience working with people of various ages, especially children, in a learning environment
Experience providing customer service for the general public
Familiarity with scientific topics such as engineering, physics, chemistry, astronomy – or a strong commitment to prepare ahead of time when unfamiliar with concepts.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The ability to lift/move/maneuver up to 30lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/251017
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies

Posting Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.


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