Mission and Scope

Presents educational and fun programs in our planetarium. Also responsible for scheduling planetarium visits, maintenance of the planetarium, and in-Museum events.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or related field AND two years of planetarium operations experience; OR, Six years of planetarium operations experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Experience: A minimum of three years experience in planetarium operations or some equivalent activities is preferred. Training and experience in video production and presentation is desirable.

Essential Functions

1. Responsible for business management of planetarium.
2. Develops and delivers engaging planetarium programs for various audiences.
3. Works with Museum leadership to advance the USSRC mission as a member of museum leadership.
4. Expands upon and develops planetarium curriculum and programs
5. Travels to communities throughout Northern AL, up to a 100-mile radius, to deliver planetarium curriculum and programs
6. Schedules school and outreach events for the planetarium
7. Presents a unique experience to the community with excitement, and a fun and playful attitude
8. Researches and stays up-to-date on latest presentation techniques, and actively works to improve engagement with audiences
9. Maintains planetarium, both physical and technological; this includes the ability to integrate systems updates/upgrades as they are added
10. Trains staff on planetarium best practices>
11. Maintains procedure manual on planetarium maintenance and programs
12. Communicates and manages scheduling, maintenance, and needs of the planetarium program with other staff
13. Follows and supports USSRC program criteria in the delivery of planetarium programs
14. Supports floor staff, as needed, including opening and closing procedures, cashiering and facilitation of other floor exhibits
15. Engages with children and adults in a welcoming, courteous, and professional manner
16. Keeps up-to-date on USSRC policies, procedures, programs, and events
17. Attends and conducts staff meetings and trainings
18. Supports and promotes the mission, brand image and reputation of the USSRC at all times
19. Weekends may be required
20. Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands/Work Environment

This position has the following special requirements:

1. Ability to lift, carry and otherwise move up to 50+ pounds to transport and setup Planetarium
2. Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, climb or walk for various lengths of time throughout the day
3. Walking, climbing (stairs) to access other departments & buildings and to experience the training center floor.
4. Sitting and standing for long periods of time developing and presenting lectures.
5. Carrying, lifting equipment and supplies up to 25 lbs waist high.
6. Bending, kneeling, reaching to store / retrieve supplies.
7. Reading, sight, wrist movements, feeling to operate computer terminal, research & review lecture materials, operate automobile during travel.
8. Talking, hearing to present lectures, answer questions from trainees, assist guests, and interact with employees.
9. This position involves working in a climate controlled office environment and walking to / from buildings in various weather conditions. This position may require occasional travel to educational conferences.
10. This position requires availability to work often 7 days a week and in the evenings.

General Requirements

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

Professional Standards

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

Teamwork Standards

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

Supervisory Standards

1. Adheres to organizational policies and applicable laws
2. Instructs, coaches and encourages staff to support by action and example the mission and vision of the Center
3. Demonstrates good judgment within supervision of staff
4. Effectively monitors staff performance and offers appropriate coaching, counseling or supervision as required
5. Completes staff evaluations, documentation, etc., on time and effectively
6. Serves as an effective role model to staff by demonstrating exemplary work ethic

Job Responsibilities

The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. This document should not be considered a fully detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

To learn more and apply please visit the official website.