Planetarium Operator - actively hiring (part-time)

Position Title: Planetarium Operator

Department: Planetarium

Reports To: VP of Exhibits and Experiences

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt, Part-Time (<30 hours per week)

Pay: $16.00/hour

Planetarium Operators bring the wonder of the universe to Nashville. By operating Sudekum Planetarium, you’ll go hands-on with one of the world’s most advanced planetarium systems. You’ll run pre-recorded planetarium shows, oversee laser light shows, and help visitors navigate the theater.

You’ll learn how to operate and maintain the intricate system of servers, projectors, emitters, and mechanical elements that comprise Sudekum Planetarium’s sophisticated technology. You will be the face of astronomy to hundreds of visitors a week, sharing a brief glimpse of the night sky before each program begins.

Some things you’ll need to be able to do:

• Exude excitement about the world of astronomy
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Work days between Thursday and Monday, including some evenings and holidays

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Planetarium Operator assists in the running of Sudekum Planetarium, including playing pre-recorded programs, presenting laser shows, aiding with theater seating, and more. The Planetarium Operator may give short live presentations but is not responsible for full-length live planetarium shows.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Present recorded programs in the Sudekum Planetarium to all types of visitors and groups
• Respond to public and member inquiries after shows in the planetarium
• Learn the specialized technical systems present in the planetarium and perform basic troubleshooting, as required
• Assist with office responsibilities and other duties as assigned

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND TRAITS

• Enthusiasm for science, science education, and museums
• Comfortable speaking to a large group for several minutes at a time
• Reliable, courteous, and collaborative team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility should difficult situations arise

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma required; some post-secondary science education preferred
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Speak effectively to engage a large audience
• Operate modern computer technology
• Monitor, communicate, and troubleshoot technical issues
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Additional preference will be given to applicants with experience working in a planetarium, observatory, or informal science education environment, including content creation and/or delivery

Customer Service

• Proactively engage visitors in personal, inspiring interactions
• Anticipate visitor needs and solve visitor issues with a positive, courteous, and professional attitude

Operational Support

• Attend regular staff meetings as schedule permits
• Perform core operational functions of visitor safety and wayfinding
• Assist during emergency and evacuation situations

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Adventure Science Center uniform must be worn at all times
• Holiday, evening, and weekend work will be required
• Applicant must be able to stand for extended periods of time, lift and move supplies and equipment (up to 20 lbs.)
• Applicant must be able to work in an extremely low-light environment

OUR VALUES

• We are playful and passionate experimenters.
• We think big, embrace risk, and evolve our ideas in order to lead.
• We are collaborative with each other and our whole community.
• We foster diversity, curiosity, and creativity to make our experience unique.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Free onsite parking
• Complimentary membership to Adventure Science Center
• Free or discounted admission to local venues including The Nashville Zoo, The Frist Art Museum, Nashville Shores, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and more!
• Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness

TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to hr@adventuresci.org. Electronic submission is required for all materials. To expedite processing, please place “Planetarium Operator” in the subject line of your message. No phone calls, please. Due to the volume of applications received, we will only contact candidates selected for interviews.

Adventure Science Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is intended to be a description of the general nature and level of work to be performed. This position profile should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These responsibilities and duties are subject to change at any time based on organizational needs.