Planetarium Specialist

U.S. Space & Rocket Center•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

The Planetarium Specialist creates and presents unique, live, interactive presentations for the Intuitive Planetarium at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The role presents astronomy and space science shows to audiences of varied ages, supports guest experiences throughout the planetarium and museum, and assists with ticketing and sales. The position reports to the Planetarium Operations Manager and works closely with planetarium leadership and colleagues. It has no supervisory responsibilities and requires occasional travel to conferences and outreach events. The role requires a professional, customer-focused approach, effective teamwork, adherence to organizational policies and safety practices, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly workplace. Work takes place in a climate-controlled office environment and involves walking between buildings in varying weather. The position interacts extensively with employees, trainees, and small children. The schedule requires availability to work often seven days a week and in the evenings.

Requirements

Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Willingness to learn and grow.
Interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a team, with appropriate personal boundaries and mature judgment and behavior.
Take responsibility for one's actions and their effects on others.
Maintain honesty, ethics, promptness, attendance, a positive attitude, professional appearance, and excellent customer service.
Ability to walk and climb stairs to access departments, buildings, and the training center floor.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods while developing and presenting lectures.
Ability to carry and lift equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds at waist height.
Ability to bend, kneel, and reach to store or retrieve supplies.
Ability to read, see, use wrist movements, and feel to operate a computer terminal and automobile, and to research and review lecture materials.
Ability to talk and hear to present lectures, answer questions, assist guests, and interact with employees.
Availability to work often seven days a week and in the evenings.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in astronomy or physics, or equivalent educational and professional experience; the posting describes this as preferred.
Experience presenting astronomical topics to large audiences of approximately 250 people and all ages.
Computer proficiency.
Programming experience.
Ability to multitask while presenting, including flying through the universe while engaging the audience.
Planetarium software experience.

Responsibilities

Present live, interactive astronomy and space science shows in an engaging and professional manner for a wide variety of audiences.
Keep the planetarium clean between shows and ensure the dome is ready for guests.
Engage with guests through effective communication and interpersonal skills to build customer relationships and support a positive planetarium experience.
Maintain broad knowledge of astronomy, current and historical space missions, and recent space science discoveries.
Assist with sales and ticketing at the planetarium concessions stand.
Help visitors explore and understand exhibits throughout the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and scheduled planetarium shows.
Support planetarium internal, external, and outreach projects as assigned.
Collaborate with the planetarium team and assist planetarium and concessions staff as needed.
Follow policies and procedures, participate in the Center’s Safety Program, maintain professional standards, and contribute to effective working relationships across departments.
Work safely and help keep the workplace safe.