Planetarium coordinator, Western KY U

Western Kentucky University (WKU), Department of Physics and Astronomy, is seeking applicants for a Planetarium Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day informal science education activities at the Hardin Planetarium. This is a regular twelve-month full-time position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties will be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
• Assists the Planetarium Director in daily operations of the planetarium and its associated informal science education initiatives
• Creates educational programming and displays for the planetarium
• Performs necessary clerical and accounting functions for record-keeping and reporting
• Works with campus staff to assure the facility is used in appropriate activities and recruiting programs and is available as part of day camp and other group functions
• Establishes effective and innovative connections to increase attendance
• Develops strong connections to the K-12 school system and works with teachers and other education personnel to schedule visits from school groups
• Recommends acquisition of programming, supplies, equipment, and other resources as appropriate
• Monitors and troubleshoots all equipment; performs routine maintenance and light cleaning; and supervises any outsourced work for repairs and improvements to planetarium infrastructure
• Trains, directs, and supports a team of work-study students, student interns, and volunteer docents
• Works with faculty and staff to acquire data for assessment and research
• Schedules and assists with events such as use of the facility for private functions
• Participates in regular staff and professional development meetings

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of experience with information education
• Evening and weekend work
• Must possess excellent writing and presentation skills and demonstrate ability to independently and proactively work within deadlines
• Knowledge of astronomy content and currently recognized best practices for science education, as required to create educational programming
• Ability to work with diverse groups of children, students, teachers, and staff
• Must possess dynamic interpersonal, networking, and communication skills to establish and maintain relationships with internal and external customers and colleagues
• Experience creating effective educational audio-visual presentations and interactive, audience-led experiences for planetarium, or other informal science education venues
• Ability to manage outreach services and effectively operate and maintain equipment
• Working technical knowledge of the digital planetarium control systems and other major equipment in the facility
• Must possess a willingness to enhance skills to meet changing job conditions

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reaching, stooping, bending, and/or kneeling
• Working overhead and in or around elevated or confined areas
• Low-light conditions
• Close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
For more information visit the Hardin Planetarium’s home page at http://wku.edu/hardinplanetarium/

Salary Grade: 107 Salary Range: $29,858 - $50,147

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter illustrating experience and skills in the areas described above, a current vita/resume, and names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process. Three letters of professional recommendation may be requested at time of interview. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/sjobs For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. Reference requisition number S3788. To ensure full consideration please submit application materials on or before September 8, 2013. Position will remain open until filled.

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify The Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.