Planetarium Presenter Internship (Summer 2023)

Planetarium Presenter Internship

Museum of Science, Boston

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Charles Hayden Planetarium has been educating families, school groups, and the general public about astronomy with its innovative programming since 1958. The renovated 209-seat round state-of-the-art fulldome theater uses a Zeiss Starmaster ZMP star projector, E&S projection technology with Digistar 7 software, and special lighting effects for use in both live and pre-recorded Planetarium programming, entertainment shows, and special evening events.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Planetarium intern will join staff in presenting both pre-recorded and live interactive astronomy themed shows to the public. The intern will be trained to operate the technical equipment in the Planetarium, will learn and practice strategies for delivering effective educational presentations, and will develop specific skills needed to work in a digital Planetarium and more broadly in an informal science education institution. The intern may also participate in other Planetarium or Immersive Theaters projects, including science-education based initiatives, professional development activities, or presentation of Planetarium evening programs such as music shows or arts/technology events.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Present 2-4 Planetarium programs to the public per day.
• Learn to present abstract topics in an easy-to-understand way.
• Participate in other astronomy program activities led by the Planetarium
• Assist with ushering duties, taking tickets, and answering general questions about the Planetarium.
• Perform office duties, and assist the Planetarium and Immersive Theaters staff with other ongoing projects as needed.
• Learn and perform basic operation of Planetarium equipment and technology, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate or graduate student, recent graduate (<1 year), or career changer
• Astronomy or space science-related coursework
• Interest in astronomy and/or science education and outreach
• Strong public-speaking and communication skills
• Comfort interacting with and engaging large crowds
• Ability to explain abstract-topics in an easy-to-understand way
• Experience and comfort with computer technology and audio-visual equipment
• Enjoy talking to children and the general public
• Ability to work with a team and independently

SPECIAL SKILLS: (preferred but not required)

• Undergraduate or higher degree in astronomy or space science
• Earth science and/or climate science-related coursework
• Previous experience working in a Planetarium
• Previous experience teaching in formal or informal settings
• Computer science or programming skills
• Theater or other live performance experience

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: Summer 2023 (late May/early June - mid/late August)

WORK SCHEDULE: 3 or 4 full days (21 or 28 paid hours/week with an unpaid lunch hour), one weekend day required, occasional holiday work required, occasional evenings required.

LOCATION: Onsite only (no remote work)

PAY RATE: $15.00 per hour for an undergraduate or $15.25 for a graduate

BENEFITS: Intern benefits include free parking in the Museum garage, close proximity to the Green Line, free admission, discounts in the Museum store and cafe and much more!

VACCINATION POLICY:

Staff, interns, and volunteers will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The Museum will consider an exemption from the vaccine requirement if they are unable to get vaccinated due to a qualifying medical disability or a sincerely held religious objection. The Museum is not required to provide an accommodation or exemption from the vaccine requirement if doing so would pose a direct threat to others in the workplace or would create an undue hardship for the Museum.

APPLICATION NOTES:

• All internship applications require a resume and cover letter.

• • Resume tips: We suggest limiting a resume to 1 or (maximum) 2 pages. Format your resume with readability in mind. For example, try to have basic fonts styles and your bullet points' size between 11-12 pt.
  • Cover letter tips: We suggest you write your cover letter as a 1 page document that not only demonstrates your interest in the specific internship position at the Museum, but also showcases the knowledge/skills/experiences that you feel are relevant to the role.
• Need accommodation?
  • The Museum will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in the application and/or interview process. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Internship Office via email: interncoordinator@mos.org.
• Review timeline:
  • Qualified applicants will be contacted within four to six weeks of initial application.

No phone inquiries, please.

The Museum of Science is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability or protected group status. Federal and State law prohibit employment discrimination.

It is the Museum of Science's policy when recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, and terminating employees to comply with those laws which prohibit discrimination as to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or other covered veteran or any other protected status under applicable law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees, interns and volunteer are treated with respect and dignity.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabilities