Planetarium Educator (Part-Time, 10-Month Position)

Liberty Science Center•Jersey City, NJ

39d•$0 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Planetarium Educator at Liberty Science Center (LSC) will present NASA-themed content to students, grades 4-8, at weekly after school programs in the Hudson County, NJ area. They will also develop content for these programs in partnership with youth-serving organizations, NASA staff, and other LSC staff. The role involves operating a portable planetarium and training attendees on its use and program creation. Additionally, the educator will give live presentations in LSC’s large Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, operate planetarium equipment for movies and laser light shows, and cover evening planetarium and telescope programming. This position reports to the Planetarium Director and collaborates with the STEM Education department. It is a 10-month position, from November 2026 to October 2027.

Requirements

Passionate about presenting astronomy, space science, and Earth topics.
Formal and informal education experience to keep students engaged in NASA-based interactive experiences.
Skilled, dynamic presenter capable of training students to create and deliver their own planetarium shows.
Experience in public presentations.
Weekday afternoon availability is essential (1pm-5pm).
Weekend and daytime (9:45am-5pm) availability is required.
Evening availability may be needed (5pm-10pm).
Must be available to work onsite at Liberty Science Center and at school venues in Hudson County.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability in formal (classroom) education.
Experience in afterschool programming and other forms of informal education.
Excellent communication, public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of current trends in astronomy and space science education.
Skilled in editing and adapting video and other content to full dome format.
Ability to contribute to a multicultural organization and serve students with diverse needs.
Background in astronomy, education, theater, or a related STEM discipline.
Training in acting/on-stage experience.
Other performance experience (singing, playing music, dance).
Experience in venues that involve engaging and holding the attention of large audiences.
One or more years of experience in areas such as: working, operating, and presenting in a planetarium setting; operating and maintaining telescopes; teaching student groups in either formal or informal settings.

Responsibilities

Provide NASA-themed afterschool content at public schools and youth centers to students in grades 4-8, supporting LSC’s grant-funded program (‘NASA Afterschool Engagement’).
Work with the project team on content for afterschool and summer camp venues.
Share NASA content with students, developing and presenting programs on topics like the Artemis Mission and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Operate a portable digital planetarium offsite for content sharing.
Train students on using basic planetarium-related software to create and deliver their own programs at family nights.
Assist selected students from afterschool programs to present their shows in the main Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium at LSC.
Present outreach programs via the portable planetarium to various venues in the North New Jersey area.
Present energetic, engaging live programs in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium to diverse audiences including the general public, school groups, summer camp groups, and special event attendees.
Present educational programs in Science on a Sphere for scout merit-badge programs and other venues.
Operate and perform basic maintenance on audio-visual and digital equipment for both onsite and remote programs.
Operate telescopes for public viewing nights at LSC.
Give ‘Science on a Sphere’ presentations for potential funders, board members, and organizational partners.
Collaborate inter-divisionally on developing and producing creative solutions to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue.
Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of diverse audience members.
Other duties, as business needs require.