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.

Planetarium/Physics Lab Technician, Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus

CLOSING DATE: 08/21/13 05:00 PM

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Planetarium and Physics Laboratory Technician will work on the Fort Steilacoom campus supporting the physics department laboratory and producing and presenting digital planetarium programs for the college, preK-12 school groups and community in the Pierce College Science Dome. The physics department offers several laboratory classes including conceptual physics and algebra/trigonometry based and calculus based introductory physics sequences. The Science Dome is a state of the art 58-seat digital planetarium. The Science Dome is used for astronomy presentations in Pierce College classes, regular public shows and visiting preK-12 field trips. However, the space is versatile and used for various other programs, both scientific and not scientific, in addition to presenting astronomy content. This position reports to the Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Planetarium Show Presentation: Conduct programs for preK-12 school groups, community groups, individuals, campus activities, classes and special events; communicate with students and visitors spanning a wide range of ages from preschoolers and up; assist with the planning, production and presentation of special events.

Planetarium Show Production: Develop scientific and non-scientific planetarium shows that take advantage of the Science Dome’s unique immersive environment and that are educational and entertaining. Shows are produced using the Digistar 5 planetarium software through a graphical user interface and simple scripting; work closely with local school district curriculum coordinators to develop programs that are appropriate for the preK-12 community and meet science standards; work with Pierce College groups utilizing the Science Dome to understand and meet their unique needs for an immersive environment.

Develop and Support Physics Laboratory Experiments: Communicate and coordinate with physics instructors to ensure their laboratory needs are met; set up, test and take down physics laboratory and demonstration materials; troubleshoot laboratory equipment; create/revise laboratory protocols.

Planetarium Maintenance: Perform general monitoring and troubleshooting of planetarium equipment to maintain quality presentation; resolve minor hardware and software problems; run regular computer backups.

Marketing: Work with Pierce College Marketing and Communications to make flyers, posters, brochures, and other Marketing materials; update/Maintain the science dome website.

Science Dome Budget and Cash Handling: Sell tickets for public Science Dome shows and events; deposit cash into appropriate accounts; purchase equipment for the Science Dome and the Physics Laboratory; keep accurate records of all transactions and reconcile them.

Maintain Physics Laboratory Equipment: Maintain and stock in the physics laboratory equipment and space; order new/replacement laboratory equipment.

Monitor Physics Budget: Monitor physics laboratory budget to ensure accuracy of accounting and proper use of lab fees.

Other Duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in science education, physics, astronomy or related science.

Formal or informal science teaching experience.

Experience with live presentations in front of large audiences.

Sufficient knowledge of astronomy to create educational programming.

Sufficient knowledge of physics to set up and test physics laboratory equipment without supervision.

Skill with computers, software, and integrated technology.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to speak in a clear and effective manner.

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, teachers, community members and children.

Ability to take responsibility for performance by setting clear goals and balancing critical job requirements through the proper use of task management, results orientation, stress management and problem solving skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and shift priorities using exceptional organization, time management and technical skills.

Ability to analyze complex problems and judge the best solution or action to resolve or respond to difficult situations.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to deliver oral presentations or conduct orientations, training, workshops, or seminars in order to provide information.

Ability to accept and process cash payments and provide receipts in person or via the mail.

Ability to maintain and modify fiscal record-keeping systems, databases, and spreadsheets; review fiscal records, identify trends, assist in developing problem resolution.

Ability to order materials and maintain inventory to support operations.

Ability to anticipate, assess, and respond effectively to the needs of diverse customers.

Desired:

Computer programming experience

Experience presenting planetarium shows

Experience producing digital planetarium shows

Experience in curriculum development

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, you must:

Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

Complete the online application profile at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/.

Apply for the specific job opening.

Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired qualifications as outlined in this announcement. Be sure to provide specific examples to support your experience, training and/or skills.

Upload (attach) a detailed resume.

A list of at least two current professional references with names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

Special Note: All application materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the deadline date.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) overtime exempt classified position with Pierce College. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, but occasional travel to Pierce College sites will occur. Core work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but scheduled hours may vary with occasional evenings and weekends as required. All positions may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work in a planetarium and a physics lab. Proper safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) must be worn as required.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. A telecommunication device for the deaf is available at (253) 964-6228.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. The most desirable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Benefits:

Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and longterm disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.

Conditions of Employment:

Agency Shop: As a condition of employment, all classified employees are required to become a member of the Washington Public Employees Association and pay membership dues, or as a nonmember pay an agency shop, non-association or representation fee within thirty calendar days after the date of hire.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

 

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, presence of sensory, mental or physical disability, and status as a disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran. Questions may be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources, Affirmative Action Officer or the Title IX Coordinator at (253) 964-7342.

Assistant Planetarium Director, Ball State University

Professional contract position available July 1, 2013.

Responsibilities: give live and automated planetarium presentations during the work week and on selected weekends and conduct telescopic observing sessions in the campus observatory; provide support in the conversion of existing programs for use in the new planetarium and the production of programs for use during the last year of operation of the old planetarium.

Minimum qualifications: M.S. in physics, astronomy, and/or astrophysics; experience in the operation of the Spitz A3P planetarium projector and giving live planetarium presentations to a variety of audiences, including young children; effective communication skills in the planetarium setting.

Preferred qualifications: experience in the production of automated planetarium programs using Daton Watchout and Sony Vegas software.

Send letter of application, statement of experiences in the planetarium and related fields, copies of transcripts, and the names and contact information for three references to:

Chair of Planetarium Search Committee
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
or to rkaitchu@bsu.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. www.bsu.edu

Ball State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community.

Click on the Acrobat link below for a complete position description:
103753 Position Description
To download Adobe Acrobat, go to http://get.adobe.com/reader.

Online App. Form: http://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/HumanResources/EmployOpp/Pub lic/Prof/103753asstplanetariumdir.aspx