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Astronomy Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Astronomy Opening Date: 09/29/2023 Description We are accepting applications for the Adjunct Astronomy Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a fiscal year basis for continuous ...

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Astronomy Instructor information

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$6

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How much do astronomy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for astronomy instructor in the United States is $21.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Astronomy Instructor vs Planetarium Educator?

AspectAstronomy InstructorPlanetarium Educator
Required CredentialsDegree in Astronomy, Physics, or Education; teaching certification often preferredSimilar credentials; background in astronomy or education beneficial
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, outdoor observatories, science centersPlanetarium theaters, science museums, educational centers
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, science centersPlanetariums, museums, public science outreach programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Astronomy Instructors and Planetarium Educators share similar educational backgrounds and work environments focused on science outreach. However, Astronomy Instructors typically teach in classrooms or outdoor settings, while Planetarium Educators focus on engaging audiences within planetarium theaters. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests in astronomy education.

What does an Astronomy Instructor do?

An Astronomy Instructor teaches students about the fundamental concepts of astronomy, including celestial bodies, the universe's structure, and space phenomena. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, lead laboratory sessions, and sometimes organize observational activities with telescopes. Instructors also assess student progress, answer questions, and may contribute to curriculum development. Their goal is to make complex astronomical concepts accessible and engaging for learners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Astronomy Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Instructor, you need a solid background in astronomy or physics, typically supported by an advanced degree and teaching credentials. Familiarity with telescopes, planetarium software, and learning management systems (LMS) is crucial for delivering engaging and effective lessons. Exceptional communication, enthusiasm for science, and the ability to inspire curiosity help you connect with students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively conveying complex concepts and nurturing a lifelong interest in astronomy among learners.

What are some common challenges Astronomy Instructors face when engaging students with complex scientific concepts?

Astronomy Instructors often encounter the challenge of making abstract or highly technical astronomical concepts accessible and engaging for students with varying levels of scientific background. To address this, instructors typically incorporate hands-on activities, simulations, and visual aids to bring topics like stellar evolution or cosmology to life. They also foster interactive discussions and encourage curiosity, helping students connect theoretical knowledge to real-world phenomena. Collaboration with colleagues in physics or mathematics departments can further enhance the learning experience and provide additional support for students.
More about Astronomy Instructor jobs
What states have the most Astronomy Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Astronomy Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Astronomy Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astronomy Instructor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Astronomy Instructor jobs? For Astronomy Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Astronomy Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astronomy Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 2% Full Time, and 96% Part Time. Highlights an 61% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,929 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Astronomy Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Madera Community College

Astronomy Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Madera Community College

State Center Community College District

Fresno, CA • On-site

$1/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

State Center Community College District rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Announcement Information
Posting Number Title Astronomy Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Madera Community College Campus Location Madera Community College Start Date Essential Functions of Position
At Madera Community College we value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities and orientations. We prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits a diverse student population brings to a community college. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded leader committed to student success achieved through collaboration with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who are also dedicated to closing equity gaps.
An equity-minded individual is a person who:
  1. Understands the importance of holding ourselves accountable as educators for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
  2. Reframes inequities as a problem of practice and views the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
  3. Encourages positive race-consciousness and embraces human difference;
  4. Supports institutional practices that both develop and sustain culturally responsive teaching and learning environments; and
  5. Strategically builds support for and participation in equity-related initiatives across both our internal and external communities.
Madera Community College seeks leaders who value placing the student at the center of everything we do, mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment. Leaders should be open and willing to participate in culturally relevant professional development that will help them prepare for the population of students who attend Madera Community College.

The ideal candidate will share Madera Community College's commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. For the 2021-2022 academic year, we enrolled over 8,500 students in which 67% identify as Latinx, 9% as Asian/Pacific Islander, 3% as Black/African American, 17% as White, 1% as American Indian/Alaska Native, and 3% as multiracial. Madera Community College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. The successful candidate will join a college dedicated to the students it serves.

Providing instruction in Astronomy on the Madera Community College campus and/or at off-site community campus locations, the instructor will be responsible for:
  • Teaching a part-time schedule of Astronomy courses as assigned;
  • Using a variety of pedagogies and integrating a wide range of instructional delivery systems including innovative and creative uses of technology for face-to-face, on-line, and/or hybrid formats;
  • Communicating effectively with students, faculty and staff;
  • Using effective teaching methods appropriate to the subject matter, adherence to institutionally approved curriculum course outlines of record;
  • Evaluating student progress through tests and examinations, written assignments, oral responses, etc. in keeping with course objectives;
  • Providing course syllabi to students;
  • Maintaining classroom records in accordance with District Policy;
  • Turning in all required student grading and evaluation reports in a timely manner;
  • Teaching assignments in a variety of instructional settings and times, including classes as needed;
  • Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by Administrative Regulation 7122; and
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom; and

  • Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics; or

  • Bachelor's in physics or astronomy and Master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics; or 

  • A valid California Community College Credential; or

  • The equivalent education and/or experience (requires an equivalency).

(Note: If the degrees posted on your transcript(s) do not match exactly as stated above, you must petition for equivalency.)
Desirable Qualifications
  • Experience and skill incorporating elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all areas of responsibility;
  • Recent experience working with African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, Native American, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups in higher education shape patterns of participation and outcomes;
  • Willingness to examine and remediate one's instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students;
  • Related work and professional experience;
  • Experience working with students of various cultural, gender, age, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities;
  • Experience working with traditionally underrepresented student populations, such as students of color and foster youth, and the ability to support students across sociocultural and socioeconomic diversities;
  • Experience in facilitating multicultural and cross-cultural communication with sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students;
  • Experience with, and sensitivity to, under-prepared and high-need students at the community college;
  • Demonstrated ability and desire to work collaboratively with faculty and staff to enhance instruction, curriculum, student learning support and student success;
  • Demonstrated ability to work with computers, and other technologies, which are utilized in providing high-quality instruction and support to students.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students and staff;
  • Knowledge of current assessment methods and materials; and
  • Knowledge of the community college and its mission and goals.
Salary and Benefits
  • Newly hired part-time faculty will be placed on step one (1) of the Part-Time Faculty Salary Schedule
  • All salary classification placements on the salary schedule will be based on education and experience (where applicable) as outlined in the Part-Time Faculty Salary Classifications
  • Sick leave accrual is based on assignment hours

For more information on salary and benefits, please refer to the SCCCD & SCFT Part-Time Faculty Agreement
Selection Procedure
The selection and hiring process for part-time faculty positions is governed by the hiring department. Should there be an interest in your application, the hiring department will contact you directly with any questions and/or to extend an opportunity to interview.
Please note: This position does not have a closing date and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. By applying for this position, you understand that you will be placed in a continuous pool. Start dates may vary. If at any time you are no longer interested in this position, please withdraw your application. Your application will remain on file for 18 months. If you are not interviewed/selected for a position within the 18 months and still wish to pursue employment, a new application will be required.
State Center Community College District is an equal opportunity employer. It is our pledge to treat all applicants fairly and equitably in the recruitment and selection process. We endeavor to be a service-minded organization and respond to the needs of our applicants. SCCCD EEO Plan
Additional Information
Continuous Recruitment
This posting has been created to establish an applicant pool for part-time faculty positions. Applications will be reviewed by members of the hiring department when vacancies arise.
Additional Information about the Position
Madera Community College
About the College
Located in the heart of California, Madera Community College recently became the fourth (4th) and newest college in State Center Community College District. Madera Community College offers affordable, quality education for residents of Madera County and nearby communities. The college is focused on student success, with comprehensive, innovative programs in transfer/general education, occupational education, and developmental education that motivates and empowers students to be successful.
Madera Community College strives to be a fully Guided Pathways college, helping students navigate their way to success at the community college level. Guided Pathways is a transformational framework that focuses on reviewing and revising college policies, procedures and practices with the goal of designing with the student in mind. Guided Pathways presents courses in the context of highly structured, educationally coherent program maps that align with students' goals for careers and further education. The project is designed to significantly increase the number of students who earn a certificate or degree at a California Community College.
Madera Community College at Oakhurst
About the College Center
Madera Community College at Oakhurst is a satellite campus of Madera Community College. It is located just 20 minutes from the South entrance to Yosemite National Park and just minutes away from the Sierra National Forest. The campus provides opportunity and access to higher education for a geographically isolated population in Eastern Madera County. The campus currently serves Oakhurst, Mariposa County, Coarsegold, North Fork and the surrounding communities with over 75 courses in a variety of study areas. The center is slated to open a new permanent campus in Fall 2021.
Madera Community College Mission
"Empowering our students to succeed in an ever-changing world."
  • We proudly provide quality instruction and strong community partnerships that support students' academic and workforce goals.
  • We offer innovative and life-changing opportunities in a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment.
  • We value our students' personal and social growth through responsive and interactive college experiences.
  • We inspire hope and promote a passion for learning.
  • We transform students' lives through high quality college programs and services resulting in degrees, certificates, transfer programs, and career skills.

Madera Community College Vision
"Madera Community College builds effective partnerships, strengthens communities, and transforms lives."
Madera Community College values student success through:
  • Connection and Collaboration
  • Equity and Inclusivity
  • Trust and Accountability

MCC College Planning Site
Open Date Close Date Closing Time Open Until Filled No Quick Link https://scccd.peopleadmin.com/postings/5548

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