Planetarium Job Listings

Notes for Employers: There is no charge to list a job on this page. At present, updates take place every few weeks or when job listings arrive. To advertise your job faster, consider posting to the dome-l listserv. Job announcements that are sent electronically as plain text are the easiest for us to handle. We can also copy a job description from your web page if you will send the URL. Please include a closing date for applications and a salary figure. To announce a planetarium job or internship on this page:
  • e-mail: Steve Fentress <steve_fentress@rmsc.org>
  • fax: (+1) 585-271-5935
    Strasenburgh Planetarium, Attn: Steve Fentress
  • mail it to
    IPS Job Info Service
    RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
    657 East Avenue
    Rochester, NY 14607, USA
  • phone: Steve Fentress, Strasenburgh Planetarium,
    (+1) 585-271-4552, ext 409

Notes for Job Seekers

  • Also check the jobs section of the web site of the Assocation of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), http://www.astc.org.
  • Subscribe to dome-l, a planetarium mailing list that often has job announcements.


2008 Feb 26 - Program Coordinator Position opening currently exists with The University of Texas at Arlington. The position description and solicitation is described here:
http://www.uta.edu/physics/main/phys_news/jobs/job01162008.html
We plan to accept applications through March 15.


2 Dec 2007 - The South Florida Science Museum (EOE) is seeking a Planetarium Educator to conduct public, private, and educational group shows in our 61-seat Aldrin Planetarium, and to conduct occasional outreach programming utilizing model rockets, the STARLAB portable planetarium, and telescopes fitted with both white-light and H- filters for solar viewing. Shows conducted in the planetarium theater include live and automated planetarium shows, laser shows, and ambient music shows.

The successful candidate will be an individual who is self-motivated, and is capable of critical thinking. The goal of this position is to create experiences that capture the imagination and excite the curiosity of the audience, regardless of age or educational background.

The successful candidate shall have a good, working knowledge of astronomy and astronomical concepts, physics, and planetarium sciences. Situations will arise in which the Educator will interact with the public during Q&A sessions; therefore, the successful candidate will be quick on his/her feet, and be adaptable to any situation. The position demands knowledge of the practices and concepts employed in the development of educational programming.

Repair and maintenance are an integral part of a planetarium educator's duties. Previous experience with Spitz planetaria, Kodak Ektagraphic III, CRT video projectors, data projectors, laser projectors, Pangolin, E.C.C.S., and STARLAB portable planetaria would be helpful. The candidate must be able to work in a low-light environment. Experience in video and audio editing is helpful, and the use of both Apple and Windows computers and software is required. The successful candidate will, at times, be solely responsible for creating, planning, and generating planetarium shows, lectures, and other edutainment programming. The ability to compose original scores for planetarium shows would definitely be a plus.

If you have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, preferably in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field, and you would like to work in an innovative environment with benefits and a flexible schedule, send in your resume. You can fax your resume to (561) 833-1828 or send via email to briley@sfsm.org as soon as possible for immediate consideration. No calls please. To visit Aldrin Planetarium on the web, check out http://www.sfsm.org/planetarium.html. Also, be sure to visit http://www.sfsm.org to learn more about South Florida Science Museum, and our commitment to science education.


Nov 12 2007 From: "McGuire, Juli"
The Barlow Planetarium (University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley) is now accepting applications for the position of Director. Please see:
http://www.uwfox.uwc.edu/positions/FOX-AcStaffBarlow-Sep07.html


Oct 8 2007

The following is a job announcement for Morehead Planetarium & Science
Center:

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, at The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, seeks two Instructional Media Design and
Animation Specialists to join the production team of a science center
with a state-wide and national presence. The successful applicants
will lend significant creativity and production expertise to the
development of science education materials. These positions will play
a key role in the development of full-dome digital planetarium shows,
exhibition interactives and other media designed to engage, inspire
and entertain schoolchildren and the public about current science
research.

Attributes of the successful candidates include:
- Strong 3D animation and motion graphics background
- Enthusiasm for Morehead's mission as a leading provider of high-
quality science education programs and materials
- Desire to work with UNC faculty and current subject matter experts
to help them shape ideas and concepts into pedagogically effective
multimedia
- Excellent interpersonal skills, which will facilitate collaborations
among members of both in-house and contract multimedia production
teams that will generate innovative multimedia learning tools and
resources
- Desire to work as part of a team to create high quality curriculum
tools
- Ability to offer technical, pedagogical, creative, aesthetic, and
practical input into decision-making processes, content/story-board
production, and media production
- Impeccable organizational skills; i.e. setting and following up with
deadlines
- Willingness to take responsibility for meeting project goals as
defined by grants that provide project funding
- Enthusiasm for determining best practices in educational multimedia
production and implementation
- Ability to approach multimedia production through an academic/
research perspective
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in computer science, communications, arts, media
arts, or a media-related field is required. A Master's degree is
strongly preferred. Additionally, Morehead Planetarium and Science
Center seeks production professionals with significant experience with
digital animation. Advanced knowledge of professional-level 2D and 3D
animation, digital video and audio is required. (Some examples
include: Maya, 3D Studio Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, After Effects, Final
Cut Pro, Pro Tools, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash)

Production experience in an academic or informal science center
setting is preferred, as is experience developing materials for K-12
audiences.

We expect to fill two 1.0 FTE positions. The anticipated salary range
is $39,900-$55,000, commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and
curriculum vitae outlining qualifications and relevant experience, an
online or DVD portfolio/reel and list of three professional
references, including name, address, email and phone number to:

Jay Heinz
Production Department
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
250 E. Franklin Street, CB# 3480
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3480.

The positions will be open until filled. For additional information
about Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, please visit our
website at www.moreheadplanetarium.org.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an affirmative
action and equal opportunity employer.



21 Sep 2007. I am pleased to announce that the position of Planetarium Supervisor at the Sharpe Planetarium, Memphis Pink Palace Museum has been re- instated into the complement and the planetarium's budget has been restored. This position will be responsible for: re-opening the Sharpe Planetarium on a full-week operational schedule, day-to-day management of the planetarium, planning and managing the addition of a full-dome video projection system, and hiring and supervising additional planetarium staff. The planetarium was closed in 2005 due to a City of Memphis budget short-fall -- and recently it has been operating on a Saturday-only schedule. Please note that applicants may apply on-line (as directed in the announcement) or use the official City of Memphis Job Application Form (hard-copy), which is available by contacting the Employment Office, Human Resources, City of Memphis. Applications (by either on-line or hard-copy application form) will be accepted for the next 3 weeks. Here is the announcement.
Job: 07-255
Job Title: Planetarium Supervisor
Location: City of Memphis
Organization Name Parks/Museum (Pink Palace Museum)
MINIMUM SALARY: $3,341.87/Mo
Brief Description: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's of Science degree in Astronomy, Physics, Earth Science, or Science Education and four (4) years experience in planetarium programs and operations with two (2) of the four (4) years in a supervisory capacity; Master's of Science degree preferred; or any combination of experience or training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Must have a valid Tennessee Drivers License. (PROOF OF EDUCATION/DRIVER'S LICENSE
REQUIRED)
Detailed Description: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Works under the general supervision of the Administrator of Programs; responsible for the administration, supervision and fiscal management of the Sharpe Planetarium operation, including: preparing and implementing the City and Memphis Museums, Incorporated (private funds) budgets and strategic plans; submitting for review and approval budgets to the Administrator of Programs; developing policies and procedures for the Sharpe Planetarium section; planning and overseeing all Planetarium productions; producing Planetarium programs which include writing the scripts, programming shows on the automation system, selecting music, narrators, illustrations and other special effects, and presenting programs by operating projector equipment when required; acting as the principal staff resource for all exhibits and activities related to space science and astronomy, including coordinating with the media; supervising fiscal management of the Planetarium's telescopic equipment; planning and coordinating marketing and public relations activities with the Museum's Public Affairs section in order to promote Planetarium activities; and overseeing the daily activities of assigned staff, such as providing training, work direction, assignment of duties, and evaluation of work performance (including disciplinary action).
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1. Participate in Total Quality Service and Management teams as
assigned.
2. Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be
assigned.
Job Requirements: TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires written and verbal communication skills. Requires the use of personal computer and telephone. Requires sufficient mobility to perform duties both in the Planetarium and during outdoor observing sessions such as bending, stooping and climbing step stools and ladders. Requires the ability to operate audiovisual and telescopic equipment and to lift objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Requires the ability to operate an automobile to perform offsite work. May require occasional overnight travel for astronomy program presentations and conferences.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work is performed in an office environment and in the Planetarium, including dim lighting and high volume levels. Some offsite work is required including outdoor, visual astronomy programs.
How to Apply: Applications will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00
p.m. Monday - Friday in the Employment Office, Rm 1B-33, City Hall,
125 N Main or visit our satellite office at 4225 Riverdale from 8:30
a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or apply on-line at www.memphistn.gov
Thank You and Best Wishes,
Wesley S. Creel
Administrator of Programs
Pink Palace Family of Museums
www.memphismuseums.org


4 Sep 2007 We have posted two new positions at the new California Academy of Sciences (http://www.calacademy.org/newacademy/). We're putting together a lean, mean production team to create content for the Morrison Planetarium, 3-D stereoscopic theater, and other venues within the new Academy. The Production Coordinator will provide administrative support to a mix of computer animators, science visualizers, and other interesting folks. Take a look at the posting (and apply) online: http://calacademy.snaphire.com/jobseeker/safelink=JSJD&O_p=5uMh7&

Production Coordinator, Morrison Planetarium Are you looking to be part of one of the most exciting all-green development projects taking place in California? If so, you might be the California Academy of Sciences new Production Coordinator. We have challenges galore for a fast learning, high energy person who wants to be a significant player as we move into our new $484 million facility in Golden Gate Park.

Position Summary: The Production Coordinator is responsible for the detailed arrangements of production for the Morrison Planetarium, 3-D stereoscopic theater, and other venues within the California Academy of Sciences. The position reports to the Director of Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
+ Schedule and coordinate production staff & resources
+ Coordinate logistical details with outside partners
+ Maintain and update production budgets
+ Maintain and order supplies and arrange for purchasing and shipping
+ Coordinate travel arrangements for staff and visitors
+ Maintain and monitor calendars, appointments, and deadlines
+ Schedule group meetings
+ Responsible for reserving rooms, audio/visual equipment, room set
up, and refreshments when appropriate
+ Maintain filing systems and track media
+ Follow all Academy safety regulations
+ Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college, plus at least two years prior office management, project coordination and/ or film, television, or related production experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
+ Proficiency in common office applications
+ Experience with accounts payable
+ Attention to detail and ability to meet and maintain deadlines
+ Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and roles
+ Knowledge of and/or interest in science, particularly astronomy a plus

Language Skills:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Candidate must be able to work in a low-light environment or an environment with no natural light, move safely in a 30-degree tilted theater, and look down from a steep incline. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time. Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Compensation/Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position. This position is eligible for excellent medical & dental benefits; as well as participation in a supplemental retirement annuity and flexible spending accounts.

To apply for this position, please visit our website: http://calacademy.snaphire.com to submit your resume and cover letter electronically. No calls please.

Since its founding in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences has positively engaged and significantly impacted the people and communities it serves. With a mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world, the Academy is one of the ten largest natural history museums in the world. The Academy is in a unique period in its history, having moved to a transition site in downtown San Francisco while constructing a new building in Golden Gate Park. The new California Academy of Sciences will open to the public in late
2008. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.calacademy.org.

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Ryan Wyatt, Director
Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization
California Academy of Sciences
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-321-8156
rwyatt@calacademy.org


4 Sep 2007. Global Immersion (formerly SEOS)

Systems Support Engineer

Global Immersion is a dynamic, state-of-the-art technology systems integrator - designing and building high performance solutions, and creating unique environments through digital theater immersion. Our installations incorporate interactive projection display systems, ultra high-resolution servers, theater control, audio, and lighting - all on a digital infrastructure.

Within our rapidly growing company, an exciting opportunity has arisen for the right person at our US office. Based in Denver, you will be responsible for customer service within our systems installed base.

The role:

Key duties and tasks:
Telephone and remote diagnostics technical support.
Field service calls for both routine maintenance and emergency callouts.
Training of customer staff on system operation, maintenance and application software.
System fault diagnostics and correction.
Spare parts logistics.

Candidate requirements/experience:
You will:
Be a skilled engineer/technician with relevant experience in high- end projection systems (ideally multi-channel), AV electronics, software and systems integration.
Be competent within a client facing role.
Preferably be experienced in audio and control systems.
Have computer networking experience.
Be a self starter - with the ability to demonstrate initiative.
Possess excellent organization skills, and show dedication to customer satisfaction.

System training will be provided through installation experience, factory build and test, product demonstrations and supplier training.

We are an international company and extensive travel will be necessary
- often on short notice, therefore a valid passport is required.

Salary: Dependant on experience

Please reply via email, sending your résumé to careers@globalimmersion.com


13 Apr 2007 From: Bob Bonadurer
Director of Planetarium
The University of Texas at Arlington
The Department of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time position as Director of the UT Arlington Planetarium.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree. 2 years of experience in planetarium operations. 1 year of administrative experience to include: supervisory experience, leadership, management abilities, technical expertise, budgetary acumen, marketing skills, and ability to obtain external funding. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
The current Planetarium team consists of several full-time and part-time employees. Salary and type of appointment will be commensurate with education and experience. The target starting date is no later than July 1, 2007.
With about 25,000 students, UT Arlington is a part of the University of Texas System, and it is a Carnegie Research Classification I university offering a wide range of degrees and programs. Arlington is home to many tourist attractions (Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, Texas Rangers Baseball, Dallas Cowboys Football [stadium currently under construction], etc.). Arlington is at the center of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, a prosperous urban area with a population fast approaching six million people. It is near the third largest airport in the world.
The state-of-the-art Planetarium at UT Arlington opened in March 2006. It is part of a three-story, 123,000 sq ft research and instructional facility. It has a fifty-five foot diameter dome and seats about 160 people. The planetarium is equipped with a digital imaging system (DigiStar3) utilizing six CRT projectors. It is used for classroom instruction, seminars, K-12 outreach, public shows, and private events. In addition to astronomy programs, it presents a variety of feature productions. New shows are being developed largely based on outside funding. A second, separately housed planetarium with a thirty foot diameter dome and a digital projector (DigiStar3 SP) is available for use as a program production studio and teaching facility. These two facilities are among the largest and most modern in the United States: see http://www.uta.edu/planetarium/
Applicants MUST apply online at http://www.uta.edu/jobs. If you need assistance or need to use a computer with Internet, you can come to our office at 140 West Mitchell Street, B200, Arlington, TX 76019 (Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4PM). For questions and assistance, call 817-272-3461. This job may close at any time. Please check http://www.uta.edu/jobs for a list of currently open positions.
This offer is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment screening requirements, including a criminal background check for security sensitive positions.
The University of Texas at Arlington is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.


April 2007

MANAGER OF PLANETARIUM & SIMULATION PROGRAMS, TAMPA, FL
Education Department
Full-Time Position with Benefits

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manages the day-to-day operation of planetarium and simulation programs which includes, but is not limited to, scheduling, staffing, training and monitoring quality and content of experiences for the Saunders Planetarium, Weatherquest and the Challenger Learning Center.
• Coordinates and presents programs on varied content, including but not limited to flight and space, astronomy, technology and industry; provides backup for programs across department divisions.
• Assists with developing new programs and continually updating existing programs.
• Assists with creating publications and marketing materials for programs.
• Contributes to department statistics for monthly reports, as required.
• Contributes to grant writing and the writing of grant reports, as required.
• In collaboration with other department Directors and Managers, initiate new program ideas including guest lectures, group and public programs, partnerships and revenue sources.
• Presents programs across department divisions, as appropriate,
both at MOSI and offsite.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelorâs Degree in astronomy, physics, math or other MOSI-mission related field
• Previous experience in science center or similar informal education institution delivering programs in a planetarium setting
• Three years experience in a supervisory position
• Experience operating and assembling telescopes
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects
• Valid Florida driverâs license with proven safe driving record, ability to operate large vehicles including electric carts and vans
• Able to stand up from 2-3 hours at a time
• Able to verbally project to large groups, indoors and out

Submit Applications/Resumes to Human Resources

MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
Fax (813) 987-6310 or E-mail HR@MOSI.ORG


April 2007

COORDINATOR OF PLANETARIUM & SIMULATION PROGRAMS, TAMPA, FL

Education Department
Full-Time Position with Benefits

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop and present programs; develop and coordinate use of resources used in program delivery; such programs include those related to telescopes, Starlab, the planetarium and The Verizon Challenger Learning Center.
• Conceptualize and initiate new programs or activities that respond to audience demand and organizational need; explore new revenue opportunities; implement programs in other department divisions, as
required (e.g., homeschool and other fee-based programs).
• Assist in maintaining equipment in the planetarium and Challenger Center.
• Monitor budget expenditures and work with supervisor to contain costs.
• Assist in creating publications and in the promotion of program offerings.
• Track program attendance and contribute to monthly report on department activities.
• Contribute to grant writing; contribute to grant reports, as required.
• Serve on committees internal and external to MOSI, as appropriate (e.g., exhibit planning).
• Recruit, interview, hire and supervise part time / seasonal staff and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelorâs Degree in a MOSI-mission related field from an
accredited college or university
• Three years teaching experience in academic setting, science
center or informal education institution, developing and implementing
programs; demonstrated effectiveness as a planetarium program presenter
• Experience leading missions in a Challenger Learning Center
preferred
• Experience coordinating and presenting outreach programs preferred
• Demonstrated success in the delivery of quality, consistent
customer service
• Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication;
interpersonal communication
• Demonstrated effectiveness in flexibility of schedules and duties, as assigned
• Valid Florida driverâs license with proven safe driving record, ability to operate large vehicles including electric carts and vans
• Able to move heavy telescopes weighing up to 800 pounds

Submit Applications/Resumes to Human Resources

MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
Fax (813) 987-6310 or E-mail HR@MOSI.ORG


Until Apr 27, 2007

INTERPRETER ö PLANETARIUM /WOODLANDS NATURE STATION, GOLDEN POND, KY

A brief description of the duties and job requirements for the position
include the following. Details can be obtained from

Jim Taylor
Director of Operations
345 Maintenance Rd
Golden Pond, KY 42211
at the LBLA office (270.924.2091)
jtaylor@friendsoflbl.org .

This is a PT job (March thru Dec). The normal work week will have 3 days work at the Planetarium and 2 days work at the Woodlands Nature Station on Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. This NRA is a 170,000 wooded area nestled in far western Kentucky which hosted almost 2 million visitors last year.

Preferred background: 4-year degree along with experience in the interpretive field.

Major Duties:
- Conduct Planetarium Shows on scheduled days and nights
- Set Star Instrument and other apparatus as necessary on scheduled day of operation
- Obtain and set proper information for presentations
- Educate the visitors on celestial objects and events
- Conduct Observatory presentations and WKAA events
- Maintain Planetarium documentation
- Perform program set-up and maintenance of equipment under Lead instruction and training
- Develop and deliver interpretive programs for a diversity of audiences,
organize and conduct curriculum-based educational programs.
- Lead outdoor excursions including canoe trips, wildlife viewing van/boat tours, campground presentations, nature walks.
- Care and upkeep of live wildlife exhibits including raptors, reptiles, wolves, and 40 other native wildlife species.
- Maintain native plant gardens at NS.
- Appropriate facility interpretation at a variety of settings.

The Planetarium Theater has a 40 foot dome with 19 degree tilt, Spitz 512 which is automated. Our Planetarium has the East Coast Automation System, Barco video (slew) projector, LCD video projector, and other projectors. We can project images live from the internet for the education of our visitors. The incumbent of this position will be given the opportunity to implement commercial programs in our theater as well as possibly develop local programs with historical or environmental subjects. Anyone who feels interested in applying for consideration for this vacancy needs to submit the following to Jim Taylor by Apr 27, 2007.

-Letter expressing reasons for interest in the job and why you would be best for it
-Current Resume including education, leadership responsibilities, interpreter as well as animal care experience, which is a plus in a candidate
- at least 3 References

All applications from persons who apply will be given full consideration for the position

 


For questions or contributions to IPS Jobs Page contact

Steve Fentress, Director
Strasenburgh Planetarium
Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607 USA
phone (585)   697-1946
fax (585) 271-7146
e-mail Steve Fentress <steve_fentress@rmsc.org>
http:// www.rmsc.org


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26 February, 2008