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Planetarium Show Specialist

Job Details

Posting Details

Position Information

Ball State is a great place to work! In fact, Forbes has ranked Ball State University as the fourth-best midsized employer—and the only recognized education institution—in the State of Indiana. Learn More

Position Title

Planetarium Show Specialist

About this Opportunity

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University is an immersive, state-of-the-art facility with a 16-m dome and a HYBRID projector system. The planetarium utilizes a GOTO CHRONOS II star projector and an RSA Cosmos digital 4K system.

Our Statement on Inclusiveness

At Ball State University, inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

Benefits and Community

Live Near Your Work - If you are considering living near the Ball State area, please visit the following link to learn more about relocation and living in east central Indiana:

https://www.bsu.edu/about/live-near-your-work

FLSA

Learned Professional Exemption

Hrs/Week

40

Length of Assignment

Full-Time At-Will

Position Function

Under the direction of the planetarium director, perform specialized activities and provide overall support and guidance to the day-to-day operations of the facility and equipment, including serving as a presenter and content creator for various programs, shows and activities.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in astronomy, physics, earth and space science or related field.

Minimum Experience

Previous experience in a planetarium, science center, or similar informal education institution delivering programs in a planetarium or related setting.

Minimum Other

Combination of the following: comfort conversing with both individuals and groups of various sizes, knowledge of and/or ability to learn basic astronomy and space science concepts; computer programming or planetarium software programming experience; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; exceptional oral and written communication skills; exceptional organizational skills; knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, software and equipment; ability to meet schedules and timelines; knowledge of record-keeping techniques; ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Authorization to work in the US

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in astronomy, physics, earth and space science or related field.

Preferred Experience

Two years experience in a planetarium, science center, or similar informal education institution delivering programs in a planetarium setting.

Preferred Other

Combination of the following: knowledge of principles of planetarium operation and management; knowledge of operation of technical equipment related to planetarium use; knowledge of dramatic and theatrical techniques related to planetarium programming.

Pre-Employment Screening

Requires successful completion of a background check and education verification.

Position Title(s) Supervised

None.

Required Certifications

Requires successful completion of a background check.

EEO Statement

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

About Ball State University

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.

There's more to discover IN Indiana! Visit the following link to learn more:

IN Indiana

Department

Physics & Astronomy:700200

Department Information

The salary range for this position is $36,000-$44,000.

Department Email or Phone Number

dlthompson3@bsu.edu

Duties & Responsibilities

Ranking

1

Job Duty

Schedule, communicate, advertise, and keep record of all planetarium programs and events; schedule planetarium assistants for various events.

Ranking

2

Job Duty

Present live and pre-recorded planetarium programs for college classes, schools, community groups, and the public, with a focus on providing learning opportunities in a compelling and creative manner.

Ranking

3

Job Duty

Interact with audiences of all sizes on astronomy topics. Roles include, but are not limited to: presentations, labs, demonstrations, and casual interactions.

Ranking

4

Job Duty

Customize programs based on each group’s English-speaking ability, science knowledge, and interest.

Ranking

5

Job Duty

Maintain a positive attitude, ensure the public’s safety, provide quality presentations and good customer service.

Ranking

6

Job Duty

Operate a variety of equipment including the GOTO CHRONOS II star projector, RSA digital system, live streaming software, audio and visual equipment, and office equipment.

Ranking

7

Job Duty

Maintain and operate hands-on activities and telescope equipment and software.

Ranking

8

Job Duty

Assist with developing and programming new fulldome shows and content and updating existing programs.

Ranking

9

Job Duty

Assist in website management, and the creation of publications and marketing materials, which promote the planetarium in a way that aligns with the university’s brand, strategy and standards.

Ranking

10

Job Duty

Keep current in science topics and educational techniques and serve as an internal and external resource.

Ranking

11

Job Duty

Assume responsibility for the integrity and appearance of the planetarium on a daily basis.

Ranking

12

Job Duty

Participate in professional development opportunities such as the Great Lakes Planetarium Association membership, meetings and conferences.

Ranking

13

Job Duty

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

202301301P

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

07/10/2023

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

05/15/2023

Applications Accepted Through Date

06/14/2023

Open Until Filled

No

Information regarding transcripts

The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earned is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.

Special Instructions Summary

Under other in the Applicant Documents section, please include sample of work (planetarium show script, activity write-up, etc.)

Information for Applications Requiring a Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Other
Optional Documents
  1. Undergraduate Transcripts
  2. Letter of Recommendation 1
  3. Letter of Recommendation 2
  4. Letter of Recommendation 3


Company

Ball State

Founded in 1918 in Muncie, Indiana, the public research university has grown to more than 22500 students

Spirited and motivated, we learn, grow, and take flight. Our faculty and staff—everyone in our community—embrace students as learning partners from day one. In classrooms and labs, in immersive learning projects, on the sports fields—with creativity and determination—Cardinals Fly. We are grounded in our values, lifted by our knowledge, and go confidently upward toward ever greater opportunities. Ours is a simple promise: to challenge each other to excel. And with Beneficence as our guide—We Fly.

 

We are committed to excellence through a talented and diverse faculty and staff. Inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world. We are excited that you want to join us in these endeavors!

The university offers excellent benefits, including health care and retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, and generous time off with pay. 

Ball State II

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