Mission and Scope

The purpose of this position is to design and present live shows in topics from astronomy, planetary science, and space exploration and develop scientifically accurate and visually compelling content for astronomy shows and presentations within Digistar 6.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Physics, Space Science or relevant Science field.  Preferred Master's degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Physics, Space Science or relevant Science field

Experience: Experience presenting science topics to large audiences with technical and non-technical backgrounds. Experience using telescopes

Computer Experience: Computer programming experience. Programming experience in Digistar or another planetarium software

Presentation of the Required Duties

1. Design and present live shows in topics from astronomy, planetary science, and space exploration
2. Create presentation material, talking points for planetarium shows, and public engagement activities
3. Train and evaluate planetarium presenters to ensure all material presented is in a manner comprehensible to audiences of a variety of educational backgrounds
4. Schedule part time presenters as required for daily planetarium operations

Visuals & Data

1. Develop scientifically accurate and visually compelling content for astronomy shows and presentations within Digistar 6
2. Provide valuable input for modification and improvement of created visuals
3. Regularly modify visuals with current information to stay up to date with the newest astronomical discoveries
4. Update the planetarium team every week with news from space exploration by maintaining an internal astronomy news blog

Engagement & Outreach

1. Develop and implement hands-on activities for museum guests to promote science education through interaction
2. Procure material required for activities
3. Engage planetarium visitors in meaningful conversations in topics pertaining to space exploration
4. Improve professional relationships both internally and externally by collaborating with other departments at the Center and organizations in the astronomy community

Customer Experience

1. Through interpersonal skills and effective communication, engage with guests to build customer relationships and aid in giving visitors the best possible planetarium experience
2. Assist visitors in exploring and understanding exhibits throughout the USSRC and planetarium shows scheduled
3. Maintain a well-rounded wealth of knowledge about astronomy, current and historical space missions, and recent space science discoveries

Operation

1. Troubleshoot minor software and hardware issues to prevent interruption of the show schedule
2. Brainstorm with the planetarium team to envision and evaluate ideas to promote planetarium involvement and growth at the Center
3. Assist theater staff as assigned

Learn more about this planetarium job opportunity on the planetarium's offcial website.