CAPE FEAR MUSEUM OF HISTORY & SCIENCE - WILMINGTON, NC

*Apply online at www.nhcgov.com/305/Careers (link also posted below)

Position Information

Do you have a talent for inspiring curiosity in others? Help to shape out of this world experiences for visitors of all ages as the Planetarium Supervisor at our Cape Fear Museum. This role will manage the daily operations, programming, and maintenance of our new planetarium. Our new digital dome theater will seat up to 60 guests and offers programming tailored to school groups, families, and young adults. The Planetarium Supervisor will curate and present astronomy-focused content, ensure equipment is functioning properly, and work closely with the education manager and staff to deliver engaging experiences for both school groups and the public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the planetarium and maintains the facility ensuring safety, cleanliness and functionality of the planetarium space.
• Monitors, maintains and troubleshoots the planetarium equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Works with the programs planning team to develop public programs and events schedule of planetarium content.
• Coordinates and directs scheduling and presentation of programming, training, and outreach to schools, groups, and visitors. 
• Develops, modifies, and installs new programs. Researches, writes, and produces new programs, and updates existing programs to offer continuous new visual and lecture content. Works with staff to enrich field trips and programming with planetarium resources and astronomy content.
• Presents both full-dome video and live planetarium shows to schools, groups, and visitors in the planetarium.
• Oversees maintenance of planetarium facility and equipment. Participates in the design, build, setup, and maintenance of planetarium equipment as necessary; contacts outside vendors as needed for repairs and dome cleaning; maintains documentation and inventory files on equipment.
• Researches and prepares preliminary budget recommendations related to planetarium operations, taking into consideration schedule proposals, equipment, and income projections.
• Plans and schedules planetarium star shows, classes, and special events; modifies programs depending on content needs of the audience and the current night sky/astronomy events.
• Purchases new equipment, tools, and shows based on approved budgets; coordinates and oversees maintenance contracts and other related technical requirements of facility.
• Represents the planetarium at educational events and community outreach programs. 
• Assigns tasks to planetarium volunteers. 
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. 

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES
Knowledge of astronomy, physics, and other science subjects; planetarium software and systems like Digistar 7 and ChromaCove; educational programming principles; learning standards and teaching techniques; and best museum practices; excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to write clearly, concisely, and imaginatively.

Skilled in using computers and applicable software; ability to work successfully in a team environment as well as independently; ability to read and understand scientific literature; public presentations; researching and writing educational materials; writing articles and reports; training volunteers; scheduling and coordinating events; developing programs targeted for specific groups; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.  

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Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility will be required to cover some evening and Sunday/Monday events and programs also. 
Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations. 
 
Employment Type:
Full Time, exempt 

Salary Information:
The hiring salary range for this position is $56,351 - $76,074 annually, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work; 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options; 
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives; 
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers to apply and for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.  

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Astronomy, Physics, Education, Museum Studies, other sciences, or related field, and three to four (3-4) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application. 
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

Other Information

Applicant Information:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal. 

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.