Planetarium Residency
FLSA Status: Part-Time - up to 25/wk or 400/semester
Wage: $12.00/hr
Semester: Winter
PLANETARIUM RESIDENCY
SUMMARY: The Planetarium resident will gain experience working with Grand Rapids Public Museum’s planetarium team in support of the department’s projects and needs. The Chaffee Planetarium is the largest fulldome planetarium in the region and offers entertaining and educational content daily. This position reports directly to the Planetarium Manager.
PROJECTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Act as on-duty Assistant for virtual and in-person school groups, such as monitoring the chat and helping students.
- Learn the planetarium systems and procedures, research and present a star show with supervision.
- Create 2D or 3D assets for use in planetarium shows.
- Assist the planetarium staff with public programs as-needed.
This residency will touch the many different aspects of working in the planetarium field. An ideal candidate would be a college student with experience in at least one of these fields: astronomy, education, computer programming, 3D and graphic design.
Practical knowledge of astronomy or Digistar planetarium technology is beneficial but not required as the resident will learn these technologies over the semester.
WORKSKILLS: A candidate with the ability to be a self-motivated learner who is enthusiastic, capable of working independently, and a confident public speaker. The candidate will have strong people skills, communicate effectively, and the ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
EXPERIENCE: Experience working in front of an audience, including children. Experience creating digital media that include abstract animation, 2D and 3D environments.
QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills are required as well as a general understanding of computers and A/V equipment. Proficiency with Windows, Digistar, Adobe Creative Cloud, iPads, and other IT.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, reach and climb ladders up to twelve feet.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Professional, educational business setting.