Part-Time Planetarium Educator - Bell Museum

Appointment: 40% FTE, 16 hours per week

Work Location: 100% in person at the Bell Museum, UMN St Paul Campus

Work Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8:45 am - 3:15 pm, with occasional weekends and evenings.

The purpose of the Planetarium Educator position is to implement astronomy educational programming to diverse school and public audiences. The position will assist the planetarium and group reservations staff in logistical aspects of programming, including materials and technology management and on-site preparation.

Astronomy Programs Delivery (85%)
* Deliver programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through the use of a variety of teaching techniques.
o Present on-site planetarium programs for school and public audiences as needed.
o Assist with virtual and on-site observing programs as needed.
* Present from the planetarium located in the Bell Museum.
* Assist in visit preparation and other logistics for education programs.
* Participate in editing and/or program development collaborations.
* Mentor Planetarium Guide staff in a variety of museum responsibilities and planetarium techniques.

Support of Public Engagement and Science Learning Programs (15%)
* Step in to support PESL and planetarium programs at the museum and offsite outreach venues as needed, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Working Hours:
* Must be available to work scheduled shifts between 8:00am - 3:00pm, Tuesday through Friday with a half-hour lunch break.
* Must submit monthly availability two weeks before the first date of next month.
* Hours will average 16 hours/week.
* Occasional evening shifts for planetarium and observing events may be requested.
* Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absences.

Essential Qualifications:
* BA or BS in science or education and a minimum of 2 years experience working with K - 12 youth in a formal, informal, or museum educational setting or equivalent experience totaling 4 years.
* Demonstrated working knowledge of astronomy
* Creative, enthusiastic, and thrives working in a team setting.
* Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where flexibility, dependability, quickness to troubleshoot, and good humor are paramount

Desired Qualifications:
* Knowledge of best practices in informal science education and inquiry-based learning
* Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching
* Experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations

The mission of the Museum is to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

For over 150 years, the Bell Museum of Natural History has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state's official natural history museum For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe.

The museum is powered by the great minds on campus-from our faculty-curators, student lab assistants, and undergraduate interpretive guides to our dedicated staff and collegiate partners.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the Universe and achieve our vision of a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Pay Range: $21.53 - $22.08 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 40% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience as it is related to the required and preferred qualifications for this job posting.

For questions about the position, please contact Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).