PLANETARIUM TECHNICIAN
There is no civil service exam for Planetarium Technician. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
It expects a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $66,592 to $97,354, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, at State.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Planetarium Technician appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of State.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of State | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $76,229. The agencies employing the most are:
- State (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of the Assistant Curator, Planetarium Services, in the Division of the State Museum, Department of State, is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all computerized, electrical, mechanical and optical components of the planetarium, including a full-dome computer and projection system and a laser system; serves as astronomy lecturer and console operator, as assigned; provides museum-wide support for interactive exhibitions and digital equipment; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Programs, operates, maintains and repairs the planetarium instrument and its 360 degree full-dome video planetarium system, consisting of highly complex and sensitive computer devices and interface, requiring frequent software updates, adjustments, and calibrations.
- Programs, operates, maintains and repairs a full dome laser system.
- Organizes assigned electrical, mechanical and optical repair and maintenance work in the main planetarium instrument, analyzes operating, repair and maintenance problems, and develops effective work methods; operates device for planetarium programming as needed.
- Maintains and repairs all audio and visual equipment used within the scope of the planetarium program, including digital and analog sound systems.
- Prior to specific lecture presentations, sets the planetarium instrument and full-dome equipment; resets the alignment of the sky system after repairs or other changes in equipment; sets node values of planets, positioning and adjusting for smooth planetary motion.
- Maintains a current inventory of all parts, software and equipment for the planetarium.
- Prepares requisitions and purchase orders as required.
- Prepares and maintains a current manual containing schematic diagrams of all planetarium projectors and associated electrical, optical and mechanical equipment and related software.
- Downloads and installs new full-dome programs for both video and laser systems.
- Assists in the design and construction of new equipment for the planetarium and the associated teaching programs.
- Serves as a science lecturer for public programs, and school presentations on all grade levels.
- Provides demonstrations of interactive displays; answers visitors' questions pertaining to presentation subject matter, the planetarium and astronomy and science related topics.
- Provides backup to Planetarium Director.
- Keeps informed in current planetarium, Astronomy and Space related topics.
- Maintains liaison with the manufacturers of devices used in the planetarium program to ensure that equipment is kept up-to-date with new developments.
- Prepares reports concerned with the maintenance and repair of all planetarium equipment, containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
- Maintains the storage and work areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition at all times.
- Maintains the essential records and files pertaining the planetarium.
- Assists in the day-to-day operations of the planetarium facility.
- Serves as trouble shooter and technical support for the museum's interactive exhibitions and digital devices.
- Will be required to learn how to operate and maintain a planetarium instrument as a backup system to the 360 full-dome video planetarium system.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electric and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Experience
Five (5) years of experience in a planetarium in the operation, repair and maintenance of planetarium equipment, one year of which shall have included presenting programs to the public.
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 the operation a full-dome projection system and of the planetarium instrument and associated devices and equipment and the astronomical coordinates for setting the equipment for specific programs.
- Knowledge of multi-media computerized automation devices and special effects projectors.
- Knowledge of the techniques utilized in full-dome projection system repairs.
- Knowledge of the mechanical, electrical and optical repairs, adjustment, and maintenance problems which may arise in the operation of a planetarium instrument and of the procedures and equipment required in the diagnosis of causes of malfunction.
- Knowledge of the sources from which new and/or replacement parts for full-dome projection system and planetarium instruments can be obtained.
- Knowledge of the problems encountered in the maintenance and adjustment of planetarium instruments and the accompanying equipment.
- Knowledge of Astronomy and Space related topics.
- Ability to diagnose the cause of malfunctioning planetarium equipment and make the required repairs and adjustments.
- Ability to operate a planetarium instrument, full-dome system and associated equipment and to set and reset equipment for specific programs.
- Ability to assist in the design and construction of new equipment for the Planetarium and the associated teaching programs.
- Ability to maintain inventory of planetarium parts and equipment, and understand technical manuals of schematic diagrams of planetarium projectors and associated electrical, optical and mechanical equipment.
- Ability to present Astronomy programs, including live sky lectures, to audiences of various ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to prepare requisitions for new and replacement parts.
- Ability to maintain liaison with the manufacturers of various planetarium devices and to keep current with new developments.
- Ability to maintain storage and work areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition.
- Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and detailed reports of the maintenance, adjustment and repair of the Planetarium instrument and supplemental equipment.
- Ability to maintain the essential records and files.
- Ability 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 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 as long as they can perform 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.
- CODE: 12/13/2014
Note
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Science Education, Astronomy, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field may be substituted for four years of the required experience. An Associate's degree or a combination of 60 credits from an accredited college or university in any of the above areas or related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.