Hybrid Full Time Planetarium Educator na Liberty Science Center

The Role   
The Planetarium Educator at Liberty Science Center will: (1) present dynamic live programs, day and evening, in the LSC’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and on LSC’s Science on a Sphere; (2) present engaging educational programs on astronomy, space sciences and earth sciences for school groups, scouts, camps, LSC members, and others; (3) create new planetarium programs, Science on a Sphere presentations, laser light shows, and school, scout, and science camp programs; and (4) Operate planetarium equipment, including presenting movies and laser light shows in the planetarium.

The Planetarium Educator will report to the Planetarium Director and will work closely with members of the STEM Education department. 

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 will share your expertise in theaters and presentation skills with fellow staff, serving as an expert in this key aspect of the job. You are also effective in informal teaching situations, presenting programs for school groups, scout audiences, and summer camp attendees. You are adept at presenting virtual programs using Zoom, Google Meet, and other digital education platforms. You are comfortable working with the media and interacting with special groups, such as VIP visitors. You will collaborate with the Planetarium team, the broader STEM Education department, and other departments to conceive and create new content. 

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, the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, to audiences that include the general public, school groups, summer camp groups, and attendees of day and evening special events
2. Serve as an expert in theater presentation skills in terms of providing guidance to fellow STEM staff, including in planetarium content creation and delivery
3. Create new, live planetarium programming, including brainstorming concepts for new programs, writing narration scripts, and programming visuals using Digistar software and other tools
4. Work with other members of the Planetarium team in the creation of original laser light shows set to music using Pangolin Beyond programming software
5. Present educational programs in Science on a Sphere (the six-foot, earth science-focused globe in LSC’s Weston Lab), for scout merit-badge programs, and other venues that bring astronomy and earth sciences to life for LSC’s audiences
6. 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
7. 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
8. Set up and operate telescope stations onsite; assist visitors with using telescopes, and provide ongoing astronomy content at telescope events
9. 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
10. Give planetarium and ‘Science on a Sphere’ presentations for potential funders, board members, and organizational partners
11. Develop standards-aligned educational content for online planetarium programs, Science on a Sphere programs, and planetarium programs
12. Collaborate inter-divisionally on developing and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue
13. Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of our diverse audience members
14. Collaborate in the teaching and development of programs across STEM Education teams
15. Deliver outreach astronomy programs to schools and other off-site venues using our portable planetarium, portable educational spheres, and other educational tools
16. 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. Expertise and experience in theater and presentational skills
5. Experience in using telescopes
6. Experience in presenting online programs over platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet
7. Skilled in editing and adapting video and other content to full dome format
8. Ability to contribute to a multicultural organization and serve students with diverse needs

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, education, theater, or a related STEM discipline; equivalent professional experience will also be considered
2. Acting training and on-stage experience
3. Other performance experience (singing, playing music, dancing)
4. Experience in venues that involve engaging and holding the attention of large audiences
5. One or more 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

Classification & Work Location
This is a regular full-time, non-exempt position. This position requires availability to work onsite at Liberty Science Center. This is not a remote or hybrid role.

Schedule
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. Planetarium Educator candidates must be consistently available on weekends. The position also entails working both regular evening events (LSC After Dark) and occasional special evening programs, such as VIP receptions and facility rentals.

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

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

The ability to work for extended periods at a computer is required. This position also requires tolerance for noise and extensive public speaking, often in noisy environments. This position requires working in a dark theater, so you must be able to navigate dimly lit spaces. 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 an on-site café and a terrace with stunning NYC views. 

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

Compensation & Benefits
Compensation for this position is expected to be in the range $50,000-$55,000. However, the final offer is commensurate based on skills, education, certification, and experience. In addition to compensation for salary, you will receive compensation in the form of generous benefits, including, but not limited to:

1. Medical, dental, and life insurance
2. 403(b) basic retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
3. Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
4. Long-term disability coverage
5. Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses)
6. Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses
7. 25% discount for staff in the LSC store
8. 25% discount in on-site cafeteria

To Apply:  
Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting why you are the best candidate for this role and organization.

___________________
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.