Planetarium Intern

Description

The Planetarium Intern will be responsible for learning the technical systems within the Planetarium and the Science On a Sphere theater. They will be responsible for presenting astronomy and Earth science programs, help with technology maintenance and staff training, and create 2D and 3D assets for the theaters. The Intern will report to the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere Manager.

Responsibilities

1. Learn and operate the hardware, software, projection, audio, lighting, and control systems used in the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere theater.
2. Prepare the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere systems for scheduled programs, including starting equipment, loading content, testing presentations, and completing appropriate shutdown procedures.
3. Present astronomy and Earth science programs to school groups, families, and other Science Central audiences.
4. Adapt presentations, explanations, and audience-engagement techniques based on the age, interests, and level of scientific knowledge of each audience.
5. Research astronomy, space science, Earth science, and related topics to support accurate and engaging programs.
6. Prepare, revise, and practice program scripts, presentation materials, demonstrations, and other educational content.
7. Create and modify 2D and 3D digital assets for use in Planetarium and Science On a Sphere presentations.
8. Import, test, organize, and revise digital assets to ensure they display properly and support the intended educational experience.
9. Perform routine technology checks and basic maintenance on theater systems and equipment.
10. Help troubleshoot technical or operational problems, document issues, and promptly report concerns requiring additional support to the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere Manager.
11. Maintain organized program files, digital assets, operating instructions, maintenance records, and troubleshooting documentation.
12. Help develop staff instructions, reference materials, and training resources for approved Planetarium and Science On a Sphere procedures.
13. Assist with training Science Central staff by demonstrating theater operations, explaining procedures, answering questions, and providing supervised practice.
14. Observe audience response and gather feedback to help improve program content, presentation techniques, digital assets, and the overall theater experience.
15. Collaborate with Education staff and other departments on programs, content development, special events, and related projects.
16. Follow established safety, equipment-use, visitor-service, and technology procedures.
17. Complete other related Planetarium, Science On a Sphere, and educational-technology duties appropriate to the intern’s skills, training, and experience.

Qualifications

Must be a currently-enrolled community college, 4-year college or university student in good academic standing.

Experience in any of the following areas is beneficial but not required: Acting, Advanced Automatics and Robotics Technology; Biotechnology; Computer Science; Database Management & Administration; Education; Electronics & Computer Technology; Engineering; General Studies; Informatics; Information Technology Support; Liberal Arts; Server Administration; Software Development and Visual Communications.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the Planetarium Intern should be able to:

1. Explain the purpose and basic operation of the primary hardware, software, projection, audio, lighting, and control systems used in the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere theater.
2. Prepare, operate, and shut down the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere systems using established procedures, progressing toward greater independence as knowledge and experience develop.
3. Apply a systematic troubleshooting process to identify, document, and help resolve common technical or operational problems within the theaters.
4. Perform appropriate routine technology maintenance and recognize when an issue should be referred to the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere Manager or another technical resource.
5. Research and communicate astronomy and Earth science concepts accurately in language appropriate to audiences of different ages and levels of scientific knowledge.
6. Prepare and deliver engaging Planetarium and Science On a Sphere programs using effective public-speaking, storytelling, pacing, questioning, and audience-engagement techniques.
7. Adapt presentations in response to audience needs, program goals, available technology, time constraints, and feedback from staff or visitors.
8. Design or modify 2D and 3D digital assets for use in Planetarium and Science On a Sphere presentations, considering scientific accuracy, visual quality, educational purpose, and technical compatibility.
9. Test digital assets within the appropriate theater system and make revisions based on technical performance, staff feedback, and the intended visitor experience.
10. Develop clear operating instructions, troubleshooting notes, training materials, or other documentation that supports consistent use of the theater technology.
11. Help train Science Central staff on approved Planetarium or Science On a Sphere procedures by explaining technical information clearly, demonstrating processes, and responding to questions.
12. Demonstrate professional growth by managing assigned projects, communicating progress and technical concerns, collaborating with staff, responding constructively to feedback, and completing increasingly independent work appropriate to the intern’s training and experience.

Contact Information