Planetarium Technician – Part Time

Oversees and supervises mechanical and technical maintenance needs of Planetarium and Observatory; participates in program planning, production, and execution; provides technical input for system upgrades and new technologies.

Availability on Thursdays through Sundays is required, with opportunities for occasional weekend or evening work.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Oversees technical needs of Planetarium, Observatory, and imagery curation for space exhibit, to provide professional and rewarding visitor experiences 

·         Supervises and performs maintenance and repair of Planetarium equipment and components, including digital, electrical, electronic, audio-visual, computer control, mechanical and hydraulic systems, including the Minolta star projector; works with Planetarium Manager and SSIA. Tech and/or other technical systems companies to troubleshoot and solve technical problems; works with Observatory to maintain and upgrade facilities as needed; monitors all projects to maintain high level of workmanship and public presentation; maintains inventory of audio-visual supplies for Planetarium venue; provides technical assistance as time permits for other MSC department projects. 

·         Participate in new program planning, production and execution 

·         Participates in Planetarium program production meetings; coordinates technical aspects of Space Exhibit, live space science programs; proposes solutions; presents public Planetarium programs in rotation with other staff, and assists in Observatory, Space Exhibit as needed. 

·         Advises on technical system upgrades and new technologies 

·         Researches and provides input about new technologies and new presentation techniques; oversees technical aspects of new program delivery, equipment installations and renovations.

·         Research and provide curation of astronomy imagery for use in observatory, planetarium, and space exhibits.

·         Other Duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

·         Audio-visual equipment, operations, and maintenance (analog and digital)

·         Planetarium, telescope equipment, and operations

·         Video, computer, and control systems (hardware and software)

·         Interest in Earth and space science is desirable

Skills: 

·         Problem solving

·         Fabrication and maintenance skills with metals, wood, plastic, electronics, and mechanical and electrical systems

·         Physical dexterity to work on the Planetarium dome and star projector elevator

Ability to:

·         Establish and maintain vendor contacts

·         Work with others in a cooperative manner

·         Handle multiple projects simultaneously

·         Meet deadlines

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Support staff as needed             

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision provided by planetarium/observatory manager

EDUCATION: Vocational or technical school education or equivalent. Some advanced study is desirable.

EXPERIENCE: 4-6 years in Planetarium, Observatory, or similar setting preferred. 1-2 years of supervisory experience.