We are accepting applications for a Planetarium Coordinator at the Ward Beecher Planetarium.  The responsibilities of the Coordinator include the development and the presentation of most of our K-12 school programs, and the development and presentation of many of our weekend public show presentations.  Candidates should have a demonstrable knowledge of astronomy with excellent written and verbal communication skills to provide factual, interesting, and pertinent educational programs to schools from grades pre-school through high school and to special needs audiences. 

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, space science, science education or a related field; previous planetarium operation experience and previous experience giving public/school presentations.  

The ideal candidate will also have a passion for K-12 education (including knowledge of current national science standards) and public outreach to audiences of all ages, experience with use of (and production with) opto-mechanical and fulldome planetarium projection systems, grant writing experience and the ability to supervise student assistants in the planetarium.  More details (and application information/submission) at the official position website:  https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ysu/jobs/4722594/coordinator

About us: The Ward Beecher Planetarium (www.wbplanetarium.org) is a 140-seat facility within the Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology, GIS and Environmental Sciences at Youngstown State University, in Youngstown, Ohio.  We provide free school and public shows from September through May, and teach introductory astronomy students throughout the year.  Our Planetarium staff have a long history of developing innovative planetarium programs for people of all ages. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join us and be part of this exciting new direction in science education.

Review of applications will begin on Dec. 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is flexible but is expected to be no later than April 1, 2025.  The 12-month salary range is $38,000.00 - $42,944.00, commensurate with experience.  For questions regarding the application process, please email  hr@ysu.edu.

YSU IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO INCREASING THE DIVERSITY OF ITS FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS.