Planetarium Technician – Part Time Baltimore, MD

Oversees and supervises mechanical and technical maintenance needs of Planetarium and Observatory; participates in program planning, production, and execution; provides technical input for system upgrades and new technologies.

Availability on Thursdays through Sundays is required, with opportunities for occasional weekend or evening work.

• Oversees technical needs of Planetarium, Observatory, and imagery curation for space exhibit, to provide professional and rewarding visitor experiences
• Supervises and performs maintenance and repair of Planetarium equipment and components, including digital, electrical, electronic, audio-visual, computer control, mechanical and hydraulic systems, including the Minolta star projector; works with Planetarium Manager and SSIA. Tech and/or other technical systems companies to troubleshoot and solve technical problems; works with Observatory to maintain and upgrade facilities as needed; monitors all projects to maintain high level of workmanship and public presentation;
  
  maintains inventory of audio-visual supplies for Planetarium venue; provides technical assistance as time permits for other MSC department projects.
• Participate in new program planning, production and execution
• Participates in Planetarium program production meetings; coordinates technical aspects of Space Exhibit, live space science programs; proposes solutions; presents public Planetarium programs in rotation with other staff, and assists in Observatory, Space Exhibit as needed.
• Advises on technical system upgrades and new technologies
• Researches and provides input about new technologies and new presentation techniques; oversees technical aspects of new program delivery, equipment installations and renovations.
• Research and provide curation of astronomy imagery for use in observatory, planetarium, and space exhibits.
• Other Duties as assigned

• Audio-visual equipment, operations, and maintenance (analog and digital)
• Planetarium, telescope equipment, and operations
• Video, computer, and control systems (hardware and software)
• Interest in Earth and space science is desirable

• Problem solving
• Fabrication and maintenance skills with metals, wood, plastic, electronics, and mechanical and electrical systems
• Physical dexterity to work on the Planetarium dome and the star projector elevator

• Establish and maintain vendor contacts
• Work with others in a cooperative manner
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Meet deadlines

Support staff as needed

General supervision provided by planetarium/observatory manager

Vocational or technical school education or equivalent. Some advanced study is desirable.

2-3 years in Planetarium, Observatory, or similar setting preferred. 1-2 years of supervisory experience.

Sick and Safe leave accrual, free onsite parking, 403B retirement plan