Position Title: Education Leadership Coordinator

Posting Date: October 8, 2026

Vision

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society envisions a future where every visitor to the site leaves inspired and with a lifelong passion for science. This will be achieved through engaging storytelling that illuminates the pivotal Canadian contributions to space sciences and explores our strong connection to the cosmos. The stories will celebrate the rich history and culture of our local community, including the perspective and knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Mission

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society will inspire visitors of all ages by expanding their understanding of their place in the universe and making Canada’s historic Plaskett Telescope and the Centre of the Universe sites of learning, creativity and community for all.

Summary Statement:

Leadership Position in Astronomy Education

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (FDAO) is seeking a leader for its outreach education program who will engage school students at the Observatory, at schools within the Capital Regional District, and online throughout British Columbia. The successful candidate for this position will be a passionate communicator of astronomy and science for K-12 aged students. They will supervise the activities of a small staff and volunteer educators. They will also be responsible for both curriculum development and delivery of hands-on programming. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is looking for a position where creativity is encouraged.

The Centre of the Universe is the visitors’ centre which is staffed by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of both salaried and volunteer personnel. It is on the site of the century-old Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and comprises a planetarium, exhibit gallery,



auditorium, various telescopes, and technological aids. The successful candidate will have access to training on the use of the 1.8 metre telescope as well as the facilities at the Visitor Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Develop and facilitate the implementation of curriculum content for school programs at the Centre, in schools, and online.
- This includes preparing and managing presentations, hands-on activities and resource support kits.
- Deliver on site, in-school and online programs with the educational team.
- Supervise, assign duties, and manage a small team of school program staff and volunteers.
- Engage in other duties related to public outreach as required
- Will report to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

Required Qualifications:

- An undergraduate degree in Science, Science Communication or in Education with a Science specialty.
- Demonstrated experience working with children in a formal educational environment, or demonstrated experience, as well as leadership training, in informal educational environments such as university-based science camps, or other youth organizations
- Experience within a science centre, observatory, museum, or similar related program
- Excellent English language written and verbal communication skills
- Eligible to work in Canada

Knowledge and Skills:

- Knowledge of astronomy, and related science areas with STEM are mandatory.
- Sound knowledge of the principles, methods,



and procedures involved in development and assessment of BC science curriculum programming for kindergarten to Grade 12
- Proficiency in preparation, facilitation, and delivery of presentations to multiple age groups
- Demonstrated superior classroom or youth group management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work within and to supervise a small team of other staff members and school team volunteers
- Fluency with cloud services such as Google Drive and OneDrive
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and be willing to initiate and follow through with current programs and activities for the schools. The candidate must be able to “think on their feet”, be flexible and able to manage changing situations.

Desirable Skills:

- French language fluency and/or experience with the SENĆOŦEN language
- First Aid Certification

Hours and Location:

Full-time position (37.5 hours/week)

The position will be based at the Centre of the Universe, which has limited public transport. There will be programs out at school sites as well. The candidate will need to have their own transportation.

The candidate must be able to be onsite during daytime hours and some selected evenings and weekends as necessary.

Position Dates:

This is a 9-month position, October 2026, to June 25, 2027

The position may be renewed for September 2027 to June 2028

Contact Information:

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of reference and police criminal record checks.

We would like to thank all candidates. However, only those chosen to move on to the next stage in the selection process will be contacted.

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Education Leadership Coordinator (Victoria)
🏢 Centre of the Universe
📍 Victoria