ASSISTANT CURATOR, PLANETARIUM EDUCATION

Definition

Under the general supervision of the Curator of Education in the State Museum, Department of State, initiates, designs, implements, and evaluates planetarium programming; creates planetarium shows; monitors the operation of planetarium instruments and equipment; initiates, designs, plans, implements, and evaluates exhibitions related to astronomy and space sciences; assists with the marketing and promotion of planetarium shows; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Determines the requirements for effective planetarium services and provides the research and organization required to create the programs.
• In collaboration with Education staff, writes and plans the implementation of planetarium programs and courses for school groups and the general public.
• Instructs and trains full-time and part-time staff in the content and delivery of planetarium programs and courses for school groups and the general public.
• Delivers planetarium programs and courses.
• Designs and produces or monitors the production of artwork, slides, and projection devices to augment planetarium instrument projection.
• Ensures the maintenance of the planetarium instrument and related audiovisual equipment.
• Provides liaison with the Education Bureau regarding the scheduling of visitor groups and assignments to museum personnel giving planetarium programs.
• Provides information and materials to the Public Information/Marketing Office for press releases, announcements, or museum publications.
• Writes publication-ready copy for brochures, catalogs, and announcements which document and/or interpret planetarium services.
• Plans and implements exhibitions on astronomy and the space sciences, including selection of materials to visualize exhibition content, writing of exhibition text, and planning for presentations.
• Provides input for marketing plans for the planetarium.
• Promotes the entire museum's collections and exhibitions through the planetarium.
• Researches sources for outside funding based on knowledge of possible connections between the planetarium's programs and foundations, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.
• Coordinates work with other museum bureaus.
• Maintains records and files necessary for the implementation and documentation of all services and activities.
• Documents planetarium services and other activities.
• Participates and/or serves on museum committees, professional organizations, and support organizations.
• Prepares reports on activities as required by the museum administration.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Astronomy or Astronomy Education.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience performing duties related to planetarium programming, including astronomy education and public events related to astronomy and space science.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of astronomy and space science.
• Knowledge of the equipment, materials, supplies, procedures, and techniques used to operate a planetarium.
• Knowledge of museum methodology, including interpretive techniques and exhibition planning.
• Ability to work harmoniously with museum staff and outside consultants.
• Ability to communicate about astronomy and the space sciences to a variety of audiences including school groups, adult groups, general public, and laypersons/professional groups with a developed astronomy interest.
• Ability to coordinate activities with those of other museum bureaus.
• Ability to identify basic research references and literature concerning astronomy and the space sciences.
• Ability to operate a planetarium instrument, and digital and other audiovisual equipment including projectors and photographic equipment.
• Ability to relate general astronomy and space sciences to New Jersey.
• Ability to research funding sources from foundations, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.
• Ability to prepare reports, brochures, and other written materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.