About the Job
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Position Overview:
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.
Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
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.
- Present on-site planetarium programs for school and public audiences as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tuesday - Friday, 8:45am- 3:15pm
- 16 hours per week
- Occasional evening shifts for planetarium and observing events may be requested.
- Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absences.
Work Environment: In-person
Qualifications
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
- 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 and Benefits
Pay Range: $25.73 - $27.20 per hour ($53,518.4 - $56,576 annual salary) ; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans .
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
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.
Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience as it is related to the required and preferred qualifications for this job posting. Please submit all materials in .pdf format.
Application Deadline: September 29, 2026. Application review will begin on September 22, 2026.
For questions about the position please contact Kate Sigurdson, [contact details available in the full listing].
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [contact details available in the full listing].
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State [contact details available in the full listing]). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
