Planetarium Manager

The posting

Job Title

Planetarium Manager

Agency

East Texas A&M University

Department

Planetarium

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents.

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
• Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).

• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer). If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

SUMMARY:

Under general direction, manages the day-to-day operations of the planetarium and assists with observatory operations. Develops, schedules, and presents educational programming; supports public outreach initiatives; maintains specialized planetarium and observatory equipment; oversees administrative functions; and supervises student employees. Assists the Planetarium Director in planning, coordinating, and implementing planetarium and observatory programs that support the educational, outreach, and service missions of the university.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages daily operations of the planetarium, ensuring effective delivery of educational, public, and special event programming.
• Produces, schedules, coordinates, and presents planetarium shows and related educational programs for university, K-12, and community audiences.
• Writes, develops, and directs original and packaged planetarium presentations and digital content.
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of the observatory, including support of public observing events and astronomy outreach activities.
• Provides technical support in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of planetarium, observatory, audiovisual, computer, and related equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance and basic repair of projection, lighting, sound, computer, and other specialized instructional technologies.
• Develops and distributes publicity, marketing, and promotional materials for planetarium and observatory programs and events.
• Coordinates event scheduling and maintains operational records, attendance data, budgets, inventories, and related reports.
• Assists with budget tracking, account reconciliation, purchasing, and other administrative functions supporting planetarium operations.
• Oversees outreach, public relations, and community engagement activities that promote astronomy education and awareness.
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates student employees and student assistants supporting planetarium operations.
• Assists the Planetarium Director with strategic planning, program development, and implementation of departmental goals and initiatives.
• Represents the planetarium and observatory at educational events, conferences, workshops, and community functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

· Education: Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, instructional technology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which includes:

o High school diploma and nine (9) years of related experience.

o Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience.

o Master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience.

o Doctoral degree and one (1) year of related experience.

· Experience: Five years of experience in a planetarium, observatory, museum, science center, educational outreach program, instructional technology environment, or related operation involving public programming, technical equipment management, facility operations, program administration, or supervision. Qualifying experience gained as a planetarium student employee, graduate assistant, intern, or similar trainee may be credited toward the required experience on a half-time basis.

· Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Knowledge of planetarium, observatory, audiovisual, and computer systems. Knowledge of astronomy concepts and informal science education principles. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to develop and deliver engaging educational presentations to audiences of varying ages and backgrounds. Ability to coordinate multiple projects, events, schedules, and operational activities. Ability to supervise, train, and direct student employees. Ability to troubleshoot and maintain specialized technical equipment. Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and community members.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours and travel to conferences and workshops for training.

· Licensing/Professional Certifications: None

· Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, move, and install equipment and materials; work from ladders; and perform equipment maintenance activities.

· Other Requirements: None

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

· Master's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, instructional technology, or a related field.

· Experience working in a digital planetarium environment.

· Experience with Evans & Sutherland Digistar systems or similar planetarium projection systems.

· Experience coordinating educational programming, public outreach, and community engagement activities.

· Experience supervising employees or student workers.

· Experience managing schedules, budgets, records, and administrative operations.

· Experience operating astronomical telescopes and observatory equipment.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

Directly supervises undergraduate and graduate student employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, assigning work, and monitoring performance.

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:

· Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.

· Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.

· ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.

· 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.

· Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).

· Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development:

· Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence:

· ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.

· Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.

· First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

· Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

· Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life:

· Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth:

· Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

Visit us on our social media:

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All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.