What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLANETARIUM SPECIALIST position at Alabama Space?
RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions
- Reports to the Planetarium Manager and collaborates closely with Planetarium leadership to produce and present live and interactive planetarium content.
- Develop planetarium content within Digistar7 (planetarium software) to maximize the USSRC planetarium experience for all visitors.
- Present live and interactive shows in an engaging, professional manner.
- Work collaboratively with the planetarium team.
- Through interpersonal skills and effective communication, engage with guests to build customer relationships and aid in giving visitors the best possible planetarium experience
- Maintain a well-rounded wealth of knowledge about astronomy, current and historical space missions, and recent space science discoveries
- Assist concessions staff as needed
General Requirements
- Willingness to be open to learning and growing
- Interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a team
- Appropriate interpersonal/personal boundaries
- Maturity of judgment and behavior
- Accepts full responsibility of their actions and how these may affect others
- Adherence and participation in the Center’s Safety Program
Professional Standards
- Understands and follows all policies & procedures
- Maintains high standards for work areas and appearance, presents self in a highly professional manner to others and understands that honesty & ethics are essential
- Ensures that excellent customer service is maintained with each customer
- Maintains a positive attitude toward the position, the company and co-workers
- Appreciates that promptness and attendance at work is apart of sustaining a professional relationship with the company
Teamwork Standards
- Takes an interest and initiative in the development of the Department’s team
- Maintains pleasant and professional relationships with co-workers & assists as needed
- Remains positive about the team and facilitates an optimistic approach to resolution of issues
- Maintains productive, effective and professional relationships with all departments
The above duties reflect the general responsibilities necessary to describe the principal work functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be in the position.
Employee is responsible for working in a safe manner and keeping his/her workplace safe.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Level of Supervision: None
Travel Required: Occasional travel to conferences.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education
- Bachelor’s degree in astronomy or physics is preferred, or equivalent educational and professional experience
Preferred Experience
- Presenting about astronomical topics in front of large audiences (250 people) of all ages
- Computer proficiency
- Programming experience
- Ability to multitask while presenting (flying through the universe while engaging the audience)
- Planetarium software experience
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
- Walking, climbing (stairs) to access other departments & buildings and to experience the training center floor.
- Sitting and standing for long periods of time developing and presenting lectures.
- Carrying, lifting equipment and supplies up to 25 lbs waist high.
- Bending, kneeling, reaching to store / retrieve supplies.
- Reading, sight, wrist movements, feeling to operate computer terminal, research & review lecture materials, operate automobile during travel.
- Talking, hearing to present lectures, answer questions from trainees, assist guests, and interact with employees.
Eligibility Qualifications
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Factors
- This position involves working in a climate-controlled office environment and walking to / from buildings in various weather conditions.
- This position deals extensively with employees and trainees who interact with assigned area of responsibility.
- This position deals extensively with small children.
Expected Hours of Work
This position requires availability to work often 7 days a week and in the evenings.