STEM Educator I

Tuesday - Sunday; 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (variable).

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

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.

Launch Lab Facilitators - 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 - 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 - present scripted STEM themed shows for groups and the general public. Science Stage Presenters are responsible for:
* Public speaking while safely conducting 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

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.

* Enthusiasm about being part of fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all visitors
* Strong growth and customer 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

* 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.

Some physical effort is required, specifically as related to preparing learning environments and providing routine upkeep and maintenance of the educational spaces and supply rooms. All duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.