Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is accepting applications for the position of Planetarium Technician. This position is full time, 37.5 hours per week - including evenings and weekends to accommodate program needs.
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact CCSUJobAps@ccsu.edu.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
At Central Connecticut State University, this class is accountable for operating a planetarium or observatory, producing planetarium shows, and maintaining and repairing electronic, mechanical, and electrical planetarium equipment.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans, organizes, and produces planetarium shows for students and the public; repairs, maintains, and operates planetarium and/or observatory equipment (telescopes, optics, etc.); designs and builds new planetarium and/or observatory equipment; advises the director on show production; orders necessary supplies and equipment; interfaces with contractors and vendors that service the planetarium and/or observatory; trains and supervises part-time technicians and support staff; writes programs for storage and retrieval for planetarium shows; recommends long-range show production schedules; schedules planetarium shows; assists with the preparation of proposals for grants, endowments, etc.; executes live and taped planetarium shows; interfaces with students, faculty, the public, and the news media on matters relating to the planetarium; assists with the planning, administration and teaching of outreach programs for school systems as assigned by the director; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of the operation of an observatory/planetarium; knowledge of the planning and producing of planetarium shows; knowledge of basic computer programming; some knowledge of astronomical telescopes and astrophotography; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to fabricate repair and maintain electronic mechanical and electrical planetarium equipment and devices; ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Four (4) years of experience in a planetarium or observatory as a technician, observer, or lecturer involving repair and maintenance of planetarium equipment and production of planetarium shows.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training in astronomy, the physical sciences, or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to those applicants who can effectively demonstrate the following in their submitted applications:
- BS in Earth Science, Astronomy or related discipline
- Experience in operation and maintenance of Spitz 512 optical-mechanical star projector and related equipment (including audio-visual)
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of both manually operated and computer-driven astronomical telescopes
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation as well as a physical examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents may be exposed to some risk of injury from equipment.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
