Planetarium Manager

Planetarium Manager – Job Description

Schedule: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wednesday–Sunday
(plus field trips, evening programs, and special events as needed)
Reports to: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Planetarium Manager is responsible for the daily operation, programming quality, safety, and overall visitor experience of the Planetarium. This position includes presenting live and recorded full-dome shows, delivering engaging astronomy-based educational commentary, developing original content, supporting field trips and special events, and ensuring that all technical, audiovisual, and facility elements are well maintained.

The ideal candidate is kind, professional, collaborative, and committed to providing excellent informal science education. Strong communication skills, accuracy in scientific content, and a welcoming demeanor are essential.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPlanetarium Operations & Programming

• Oversee daily operations and programming of the planetarium to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for all visitors.
• Develop monthly “live” introductions and customized content; review materials with the Executive Director as needed.
• Present regularly scheduled public planetarium shows with accurate, engaging educational commentary or arrange appropriate coverage.
• Plan and conduct shows for schools, field trips, community groups, rentals, and special programs.
• Maintain, calibrate, and ensure the proper function of all audiovisual, lighting, projection, and technical systems.
• Manage and update interpretive displays, signage, and other educational content in the planetarium.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and make detailed desk log entries for communication among all presenters.

Content Development & Education

• Develop new planetarium content and conduct supporting research to ensure accuracy and educational value.
• Work with the Education Coordinator to support specialized programming, such as space-themed camps or workshops.
• Write occasional astronomy or planetarium-related articles for organizational use.
• Create or assist with astronomy-related social media posts and respond to public inquiries promptly and professionally including videos.

Teamwork, Training & Collaboration

• Assist with training and supporting volunteers and staff who work in the planetarium.
• Collaborate closely with the Facilities Manager and Executive Director to ensure the planetarium is safe, functional, clean, and welcoming.
• Maintain a friendly, kind, professional, and courteous atmosphere for visitors and coworkers.
• Participate in meetings and organization-wide events as assigned by the Executive Director.

Facility Care & Safety

• Perform final appearance checks before public entry to ensure all spaces—including restrooms and seating areas—are clean and ready. (A custodian is employed, but the Planetarium Manager provides final quality assurance.)
• Provide occasional A/V support for outside groups renting the planetarium.
• Ensure all safety and operational procedures are followed.

Administrative & Scheduling

• Create the monthly planetarium staffing schedule and communicate it to the Executive Director.
• Maintain written operational documentation and ensure continuity among all planetarium presenters.

Professional Conduct

• Represent the organization with kindness, professionalism, and scientific accuracy.
• As an employee of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, refrain from political campaigning; ballot issues may only be discussed when directly relevant to the educational mission.

Required Education

A bachelor’s degree in astronomy or in physics with astronomy coursework is strongly preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in another physical science or engineering field may be considered with demonstrated working knowledge of astronomy (transcript required).

The Planetarium Manager must feel comfortable presenting reliable scientific information and willing to say, “Let me verify that to be sure,” when needed. A strong astronomy background ensures better success and visitor engagement.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Kind, professional, and able to work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Strong public-speaking and presentation skills, including in dark or low-light environments.
• Clear hearing and ability to balance audio for shows.
• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint effectively.
• Familiarity with audiovisual systems, projection equipment, computers, and basic A/V troubleshooting.
• Experience with mixer boards, lighting panels, or stage lighting is helpful.
• Physical ability to climb stairs or ladders when needed for maintenance tasks.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and calm in a busy, public-facing environment.

Background Check

Because this position involves direct interaction with children, candidates must agree to and pass a fingerprinting and criminal background check before employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21