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Planetarium Specialist (4167U) Lawrence Hall of Science - 65195

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The Lawrence Hall of Science is UC Berkeley's public science center. Our mission is to inspire and engage through science discovery and learning in ways that advance equity and opportunity. We do this by working with audiences that include learners, who experience our programs and products; educators, who work both in and out of school settings; and partners, who conduct research, build capacity for learning, and transform education systems. Research underlies everything we do, and we design all of our programs and products to have high impact beyond the walls of The Lawrence.

Since we were founded in 1968, The Lawrence has been at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning. The Lawrence is unique among science centers as it is a Learning Lab. We design, develop and study a wide array of science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning programs and products for youth, families and adults from diverse backgrounds in our specialized facilities and through our community partnerships. Our spaces and partnerships offer unique opportunities for public engagement and learning, curriculum and instructional materials design, professional learning, and research on learning, instruction, and pathways towards STEM careers. We disseminate and scale-up our effective and innovative learning programs and materials in ways that broaden participation in STEM and have local, national, and global impact.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: March 7, 2024. For full consideration please submit application materials by March 14, 2024. The department will review applications on a rolling basis. The job will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the Planetarium Director and Planetarium Manager, the Planetarium Specialist will deliver Earth & Space Science programming to public audiences across the science center. This position maintains presentation spaces and knowledge of equipment in our planetarium domes, Science on a Sphere, relevant exhibits and events, and other educational offerings.

The Planetarium Specialist uses professional public educational program concepts applied across the planetarium dome, portable dome, Science on a Sphere exhibit, exhibits, special events, community outreach, and other educational curriculum. This position oversees delivery of planetarium programs, and supports program development, evaluation and training under the supervision of the Planetarium Manager. This position applies organization policies, procedures and programs to address program needs that are of moderate scope and complexity. This position receives instruction and supervision on all public program assignments.

The incumbent assists in the development of new programming by creating digital media, physical materials, and props to convey instructional scripts and curricula. This position is the lead Planetarium presenter and assists in the implementation of training plans for student and volunteer presenters.

Collaborating across the science center, this position assists in ensuring programs are well communicated and scheduled onsite and online. The incumbent also assists in evaluation efforts for all programming.

• Provide daily delivery of programming in dome and science on a sphere learning spaces for public, school and summer camp audiences. May be asked to deliver programs offsite or online as required.
• Maintain physical presentation spaces (e.g. planetarium, science on a sphere, event spaces, etc). Ensure that spaces are fully stocked with materials, tidy, and in working order.
• Maintain current technical knowledge of physical (e.g. telescopes) & digital equipment (e.g. computers and projectors) used in planetarium and SoS, as well as oversee and troubleshoot equipment. Communicate capabilities, constraints, and maintenance needs to relevant staff to support ongoing maintenance.
• Assists in the implementation of training plans and quality assurance goals set by planetarium manager and planetarium director for student and volunteer presenters.
• Assist in ensuring on site programs are well communicated and scheduled within the science center environment through signage and accurately represented online.
• Provides technical coding expertise for assisting in the advancement of scripts, supporting program revision and software programming by following project plans and ensuring deadlines are reached. Also supports the development or sourcing of props.
• Coding within Worldviewer, a simple GUI-driven javascript-like language to lead the coding of planetarium show development. Installing new datasets and building playlists when requested for Science on a Sphere.
• Beta testing with audiences for comprehension, engagement and entertainment + iterating through completion. Assist in the implementation of evaluation efforts.
• Professional Development and Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines, and prioritize deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong public speaking and presentation ability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
• Effectively use chosen business and document management systems, currently the Google G Suite, Monday.com, and Zoom.
• Operate the Planetarium's software as an experienced user level.
• Ability to execute simple sound production and video editing.
• Ability to engage learners in planetarium, SoS, floor experiences and exhibitions.
• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds of visitors.
• Content knowledge in astronomy, and familiarity with related space science ideas.
• Working knowledge of the night sky and ability to answer introductory questions from the public.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy or related field AND three years of planetarium operations experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Continuing education in related field required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled in operating astronomical telescope as needed for public viewing.
• English-Spanish bilingual an asset.
• Working knowledge of training development and/or learning strategies.

Licenses and Certifications

• First aid, CPR certification desirable and/or willingness to be certified.

Salary & Benefits

• This is a 100% Career position with full benefits
• Non-exempt, paid hourly and bi-weekly.
• This is not a visa opportunity.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.05 - $33.17 / hour

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.





To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=65195&PostingSeq=1