Planetarium Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employment Type: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Deadline to Apply: This application will remain open until the position is filled.
Rate of Pay: $17.50 $20.91 per hour, based on candidate experience. This wage band is fixed and non-negotiable.

Job Purpose

The J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum is a 64-seat domed theater that operates year-round, providing public and private educational experiences and entertainment events. Planetarium Presenters are responsible for delivering live and recorded programs that highlight the stars, voyaging, and Earths natural and cultural history. They operate planetarium equipment, engage diverse audiences including the general public, school groups, museum visitors, and evening guests, and present programs using Science on a Sphere. Presenters also support stargazing and observation activities, informal science education programs, ticketing, and special events, and collaborate with the Education, Events, and Visitor Experience teams to enhance public programming.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform engaging planetarium programs by maintaining a working knowledge of astronomical and space science topics and updating presentations for seasonal public shows.

• Learns and presents on a variety of topics, including Polynesian navigation, current space missions, basic astronomy, earth and space science

• Adapts presentations for audiences of all ages (e.g. school groups, general public, family units)

• Operate and monitor planetarium equipment by learning and utilizing the audio-visual system (Evans and Sutherland Digistar 6 and Digistar 7 full dome video, Goto Chronos II star projector, and control panels), planetarium audio system (microphone, speakers), and lighting controls; effectively using Windows and iPadOS devices; and following procedures for theater cleanliness and computer maintenance.

• Operate digital portable planetarium (Digitalis) onsite and offsite by coordinating with external point-of-contact for program details, setting up and disassembling portable planetarium equipment (inflatable dome, computer, and projector), and occasionally traveling to offsite venues and/or neighbor islands.

• Assist with special events and programs for the Planetarium and Bishop Museum by facilitating informal science education activities, preparing and interpreting educational handouts, and supporting planetarium ticketing, space management, and guest flow.

• On a needs basis, present programs on NOAAs Science on a Sphere in the Planetarium Lobby to highlight earth science and data-driven stories

• On a needs basis, operate museum observatory, telescopes, and/or other observational equipment to support stargazing and explanation to phenomena to visitors

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Demonstrated, current knowledge of astronomy and space sciences

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills

• Proficiency with computers and audiovisual technology, with the ability to learn and operate specialized equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related field

• Academic or professional experience in astronomy and/or planetarium operations

• Experience with planetarium systems (e.g. Digistar, Goto Chronos II), Science on a Sphere, or similar digital presentation platforms

• Experience operating telescopes, observatories, or portable planetarium equipment

Other Requirements

• Residence on the island of Oahu required

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

• Ability to work in low-light and dark environments

Direct Reports

None

Working Conditions

This position primarily takes place indoors in the planetarium theater, often in low lighting. As program needs arise, work may also occur outdoors in low-light environments, including the observatory, viewing deck, or grassy lawn areas. Astronomy programs are approximately 50 percent live and interactive, requiring the presenter to speak directly to audiences for periods ranging from 15 to 60 minutes.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing and sitting. The presenter must be able to climb one flight of stairs to access the viewing deck and observatory, see and focus objects through a telescope eyepiece, and identify objects in dim theater lighting. The role also requires the ability to roll an 80-pound projector for the portable dome and to sit on the floor or in low seating as program needs arise.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr@bishopmuseum.org or 808-848-4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.