PLANETARIUM SPECIALIST

Part-time, $17.00 an hour. Paid time off. Free museum passes and discounts. The purpose of this position is to create and present unique, live, and interactive presentations for the Intuitive Planetarium at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Reports to the Planetarium Operations Manager and collaborates closely with Planetarium leadership to present live and interactive planetarium content.
• Present live and interactive astronomy and space science shows in an engaging, professional manner for a wide variety of audiences.
• Maintain cleanliness of the planetarium between shows and ensure the dome is ready for guests.
• Through interpersonal skills and effective communication, engage with guests to build customer relationships and aid in giving visitors the best possible planetarium experience.
• Maintain a well-rounded wealth of knowledge about astronomy, current and historical space missions, and recent space science discoveries.
• Assist in sales and ticketing at the planetarium concessions stand.
• Assist visitors in exploring and understanding exhibits throughout the USSRC and planetarium shows scheduled.
• Support the planetarium’s internal, external, and outreach projects as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with the planetarium team.
• Assist planetarium and concessions staff as needed.

General Requirements

• Willingness to be open to learning and growing
• Interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a team
• Appropriate interpersonal/personal boundaries
• Maturity of judgment and behavior
• Accepts full responsibility of their actions and how these may affect others
• Adherence and participation in the Center’s Safety Program

Professional Standards

• Understands and follows all policies & procedures.
• Maintains high standards for work areas and appearance, presents self in a highly professional manner to others and understands that honesty & ethics are essential.
• Ensures that excellent customer service is maintained with each customer.
• Maintains a positive attitude toward the position, the company and co-workers.
• Appreciates that promptness and attendance at work are a part of sustaining a professional relationship with the company.

Teamwork Standards

• Takes an interest and initiative in the development of the Department’s team.
• Maintains pleasant and professional relationships with co-workers & assists as needed.
• Remains positive about the team and facilitates an optimistic approach to resolution of issues.
• Maintains productive, effective, and professional relationships with all departments.

The above duties reflect the general responsibilities necessary to describe the principal work functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be in the position.

Employee is responsible for working in a safe manner and keeping his/her workplace safe.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Level of Supervision: None

Travel Required: Occasional travel to conferences and outreach events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in astronomy or physics is preferred, or equivalent educational and professional experience

Preferred Experience

• Presenting about astronomical topics in front of large audiences (250 people) of all ages
• Computer proficiency
• Programming experience
• Ability to multitask while presenting (flying through the universe while engaging the audience)
• Planetarium software experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

• Walking, climbing (stairs) to access other departments & buildings and to experience the training center floor

• Sitting and standing for long periods of time developing and presenting lectures

• Carrying, lifting equipment and supplies up to 25 lbs waist high

• Bending, kneeling, reaching to store / retrieve supplies

• Reading, sight, wrist movements, feeling to operate computer terminal, research & review lecture materials, operate automobile during travel

• Talking, hearing to present lectures, answer questions from trainees, assist guests, and interact with employees

Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Factors

• This position involves working in a climate-controlled office environment and walking to / from buildings in various weather conditions.
• This position deals extensively with employees and trainees who interact with assigned area of responsibility.
• This position deals extensively with small children.

Expected Hours of Work

This position requires availability to work often 7 days a week and in the evenings.

DISCLAIMERS

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Duties and Responsibilities May Change with or Without Notice

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.