Planetarium Manager/Lead Space Science Educator: Full-Time - Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

Planetarium Manager/Lead Space Science Educator: Full-Time

Salary Range: $40,000-$55,000/Annually

Department: Education

Reports to: Director of Education

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday generally

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY:

MOSI is dedicated to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). MOSI has more than 100 exciting exhibits along the museum floor, Science Park, and the backwoods trails for our guests to explore. This position will be the operator, content provider and primary contact for MOSI's Digistar 7-- full Dome projection system. Programming and maintenance of this system is essential for its successful operation. This position provides planning, management and supervision for all astronomy and Dome related programs. Manages the physical Dome space, ensuring facility is in proper working order, working with education staff, third-party providers, and the Museum's IT and Facilities departments. This position advises on the selection of Giant Screen Films & Planetarium Shows, and with the Director of Education, to implement Museum programming such as Science After Dark, SkyWatch & Laser Light Shows.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performance Management

• Coordinate training and efforts of The Dome theater staff and astronomy educators.
• Assist in supervision of the Dome staff following the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system.
• Work with Director of Education to provide performance feedback to staff throughout the year to correct, maintain, and recognize expected levels of performance.
• Provide all department specific training and safety training on a timely basis to ensure the expected level of customer service delivery and staff safety.
• Strategically cross-train employees to ensure that staff knowledge of specialized areas are enhanced.
• Present live and pre-packaged astronomy programs for a variety of audiences.

1. Digistar and SkyLaze System Management

• Oversee the operation and take full technical ownership of a multi-projector, multi-computer full Dome presentation system.
• Perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting on system hardware and software to ensure proper operation.
• Engage in regular communication with the Director of Facilities/IT and the Director of Education occurs regarding issues, needs, contracts, etc.
• Coordinate media content creation and delivery on owned multimedia systems including the Digistar fulldome system.
• Create original content for The Dome's fulldome system using Digistar production features, Adobe media production software, and still/video cameras.
• Manage the library of fulldome video content on the Digistar system, including encoding and installing new video content.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external distributors/producers to license new fulldome video content.
• Negotiate and ensure compliance with terms of fulldome show licenses.
• Maintain familiarity with fulldome/large format producers and research upcoming releases once a month.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education training and experience in physics, Earth or space science.
• Experience in K-12 education required and experience in informal science education preferred.
• Experience in a science center or similar environment with a Digistar system.
• Supervisory and project management experience required.
• Pass a background check and drug screening.
• Ability to work effectively with a team.
• Comfortable working with children and families.

COMPETENCIES:

• ELICIT-Embodies MOSI's values of Enjoyment, Learning, Impact, Collaboration, Innovation, and Trust; Exudes enthusiasm and creativity; Exhibits sharp critical thinking skills with an openness to diverse opinions and respectful discourse; Practices continuous respect, professionalism, intellectual honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Visionary Leadership--Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Customer Service-Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills--Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Safety and Security--Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability--Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality--Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Initiative--Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand and walk.
• Occasionally lift/push/carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Frequently required to be around or near loud noises.

MOSI is open 363 days a year. Employees may be required to work some holidays.

Benefits

MOSI offers a robust and comprehensive benefit package plan to full time employees. Benefits begin on the first day of the month following 60 days and include:

Health, Vision, Dental, Short term disability, Long term disability, Life insurance

Basic plans of each category are at no cost to the employee. Other employee options of coverage available as well as dependent coverage paid via payroll deduction.

Optional Insurance

A range of plans including Group Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity are available.

401(k) Retirement Plan

MOSI wants to help employees save for retirement. After six months of service, MOSI will contribute 3% of your salary to the plan and will match your employee contribution up to 4%.

MOSI Membership

Complimentary annual family membership

Local Memberships

Complimentary annual family membership to Florida Aquarium, Glazier Children's Museum, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Attraction Share

MOSI participates in the program through the Florida Attraction Association, which allows MOSI employees and their guests (up to 3) entrance free of charge or at a considerable discount, to the top attractions in Florida. More information is available: https://attractionshare.showare.com/

MOSI is open 363 days a year. Employee may be required to work some special events, which may fall on holidays, evenings, and/or weekends.