The Bell Museum is hiring a Planetarium Technical Coordinator. The Bell Museum seeks a full-time audio/visual professional to meet the continual evolution of planetarium technologies and processes in support of implementing engaging programming in the planetarium and other immersive spaces that support the Bell’s mission and help to realize its vision for a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.
The Planetarium Technical Coordinator will maintain the operational status of the planetarium, coordinate technical support for public and private events, and provide planetarium presentation and production support. This position also assists in developing contracts and budgets for planetarium equipment acquisition and maintenance, leads planetarium maintenance, and supports programmatic activities.
We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.
For more information or to apply: Job ID: 360518 Handshake ID: 8866569 Application Deadline: April 28, 2024 Link: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/360518
Responsibilities
Responsibilities: These examples do not include all possible responsibilities of the work, and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities.
Planetarium Technology Coordination (60%)
Maintain operational status of planetarium through regular inspection, maintenance, and testing of audiovisual equipment/computer and technical systems, seats, screens, etc. Act as a primary contact and escalation point to directly address planetarium technology issues of moderate difficulty that can be resolved through a combination of standard procedures, research, and creative problem-solving. Create, implement, and maintain disaster recovery, backup and archive strategy to mitigate future issues. Maintain and update technical manuals to allow planetarium staff (including students) to troubleshoot malfunctioning systems, solve and report minor problems, and know when to report complicated problems. Generate and maintain documentation of systems including hardware and software assets. Actively research new emerging trends in planetarium technologies and keep up to date on the latest releases of planetarium software and hardware. Assist Planetarium Manager on the design and implementation of technology upgrades. Coordinate and oversee the work of contractors and vendors, including contracting and scheduling equipment repair and installation. Coordinate a routine for maintaining order and cleanliness of planetarium equipment, furniture and storage areas. Maintain supply inventories, anticipate needs, and order consumable supplies and equipment. Train on planetarium presentation and production software in support of troubleshooting and maintenance. Maintain hardware and software and research new technologies for accessible programming.
Production support (15%)
Assist Production Coordinator on technical production processes, workflows, technology, and hardware/software support. Prepare digital full dome content from hard drive to dome. Provide technical consultation and support for public programs, private events, internal meetings, and other projects that require theater equipment expertise. Contribute to planetarium show production, including content generation, script and visual review, and asset sourcing. Assist as driver in presentations for live audiences. Internal and external relations (20%)
Provide hardware and software technical support of immersive technology venues outside of the planetarium including production workstation and laptops, portable planetarium, and the exhibit panorama. Build relationships within the University to provide technical support of content development in keeping with the Museum’s mission of bringing scientific research to the larger public. Assist the process of original Bell Museum planetarium production distribution, including working with planetariums to determine their format needs and preparing/sending links and hard drives. With Museum Technology Specialist, maintain link between planetarium system and the museum and university IT infrastructure. Attend staff, PESL, and Planetarium team meetings, as well as project-based meetings. Train student staff in planetarium operation and maintenance on an as-needed basis. Prepare and track planetarium operations budgets in coordination with the Planetarium Manager. Provide content support for grant proposals and marketing materials. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars for professional development. Other duties as assigned (5%)
Qualifications
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS degree or a combination of education and/or relevant experience to total four years Two years hands-on audio-visual or computer systems technical work or related experience Strong skills in organization and project management Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to deliver project outcomes and meet deadlines as part of a complex and collaborative development process, working both independently and within and across teams Dependable, flexible, self-motivated, and resourceful Available for occasional evening and weekend work, as assigned (may include 1-2 evenings or weekend days per month) Demonstrated proficiency in using Google Suite tools and MS Office products (to include Word, Excel, etc.) Commitment to support the University’s goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate Able to work in dark, confined spaces and high areas Able to climb a ladder, lift up to 50 lbs and bend/crouch/crawl around furniture
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in the field of informal science education, and/or an understanding of the scientific process and ability to interpret and translate complex scientific principles for a general audience 3+ years experience/knowledge of planetarium, exhibits, theater, and/or science visualization systems and software Experience with visual effects, real-time graphics, science visualization or audio/visual production and support Experience working with contractors and vendors Cultural competency and experience working with(in) diverse communities Fluency in a language other than English
Bell Museum
Saint Paul, MN 55113
US
