Job Title: Planetarium Specialist/Laserist
Department: Astronomy
Reports To: Planetarium Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly (40 hrs)- $15/hr

Summary

The Planetarium Specialist/Laserist delivers and assists in the development of astronomy and STEAM programming for the planetarium for the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH) including the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village/Archeological Park. This is a seasonal position of 40 hours per week that runs from May 1st to September 1st. Laserist responsibilities are weekend evenings and are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning, preparation, and execution of astronomy exhibits and special events, primarily our Summer Laser Series
• Creates and presents planetarium shows, lectures, and programs for schools, community groups, and the public.
• Incorporates new astronomical findings, discoveries, current events, etc. into public and educational space theater programs.
• Prepare and perform laser light shows and other evening programming.
• Assists in the daily operation of the planetarium, including regularly scheduled maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment failures.
• Provides assistance in the operation and maintenance of our telescopes, including the 20” Apollo Telescope.
• Supports portable planetarium outreach programs (occasional travel required).
• Collaborate with members of the Education Department to support museum-wide public programs as needed.
• Maintains a professional relationship with planetarium associations and attends educational planetarium and astronomy workshops when possible.
• Provides assistance in research and investigation of current technology and space theater equipment purchases and upgrades.
• Supports and assists other planetarium and museum staff as needed.

Desired Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Engineering, Music or Video Production, Music, Performing Arts, Astronomy, Space Sciences, Astrophysics, Education (especially STEM), or a related field and at least one year of experience with at least 2 of the following: telescopes, planetariums, laser light shows, science camps, or other informal science education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfortable speaking to groups of up to 200 people
• Experience with coding or debugging of any language
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot computer hardware and software
• Passion for space, astronomy, and science education
• Passion for music and/or performance
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience with Pangolin Beyond, DaVinci Resolve or other laser and video editing software

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually high.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Interested Candidates, please email:
hr@boonshoftmuseum.org