Planetarium and Data Visualization Specialist

Salary: $0.00 Semi-Monthly
Location : Hilo, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 8
Department: University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Division: Imiloa Astronomy Center
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 5/8/:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number T
Description
Title: Planetarium and Data Visualization Specialist

Position Number: T

Hiring Unit: Imiloa Astronomy Center

Location: UH Hilo

Date Posted: April 9, 2025

Closing Date: May 8, 2025, first review on or about April 24, 2025

Band: B

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Appointment to begin approximately June 2025, pending position clearance and availability of funding.
Duties and Responsibilities

The Planetarium Program Specialist leads in researching, developing, and training on cutting-edge, place-based, culturally grounded, and Imiloa mission-aligned planetarium events and programs. This position integrates science, culture, and art to support educational experiences for K-12 students, university audiences, and the general public. The specialist is responsible for collaborating with experts, maintaining advanced planetarium systems, and contributing to curriculum development aligned with the missions of the Hawaii Imi Loa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Program Development and Implementation

1. Lead the research, development, and delivery of culturally grounded planetarium programs aligned with missions of the Hawaii Imi Loa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
2. Research and implement data visualization in the planetarium format across the fields of science, culture, and art.
3. Plan, create, and evaluate educational programs for diverse audiences, including K-12, university students, and public visitors.
4. Collaborate with the Imiloa Content Team to align scientific knowledge with Hawaiian cultural perspectives.
5. Assist in the internal and external development of educational projects, programs, and products that incorporate both English and Hawaiian language medium.
6. Engage in planetarium content development for the A Hua He Inoa program and other Imiloa mission-related experiences.
7. Participate in off-site visits for research to inform events, programs, and exhibits.
8. Develop programs focusing on Polynesian celestial navigation, Hawaiian star lines, and related science and cultural content.
9. Assist in data gathering for reports to support project management and grant reporting.
10. Data Visualization and Technical Operations
11. Research and implement advanced data visualization techniques for interdisciplinary educational use.
12. Provide technical support to operate and maintain planetarium systems, including projection systems, AV equipment, and lights.
13. Troubleshoot real-time equipment problems and ensure reliable performance.
14. Clean, maintain, adjust, and repair planetarium components.
15. Liaison with external technical professionals and continue professional development.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Train staff and external collaborators on the operation and troubleshooting of planetarium systems.
2. Deliver planetarium shows, prepare the planetarium for presentations, and oversee volunteers and student hires.
3. Collaborate with scientists, cultural practitioners, educators, and external partners to develop content.
4. Engage local experts in sciences, culture, art, and other disciplines to contribute to programming.
5. Participate in off-site research to inform events, programs, and exhibits.

Administrative Support

1. Gather and analyze data for project management and grant reporting.
2. Assist the administration team with educational program implementation and events.
3. Contribute to reports and evaluations to assess program effectiveness.
4. Maintain detailed documentation of technical systems and procedures.
5. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in communication, education, computer science or related field and 5 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for providing informal or formal education programs in a planetarium or STEM setting, troubleshooting electronics and multimedia equipment, and interacting with public audiences and K-12 school groups; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of informal and formal K-12 STEM education as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with data visualization and planetarium operations.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software.
8. Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Working knowledge of current audiovisual and multimedia technologies, including hardware and software, audio systems, and electronic design and assembly as they apply to education and entertainment in a planetarium system.
10. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical operational problems in a planetarium while ensuring an enjoyable visitor experience.
11. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and deliver live planetarium shows.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Proficiency in Polynesian celestial navigation and Hawaiian star lines.
2. Conversational proficiency in Hawaiian language.
3. Familiarity with data visualization techniques and software.
4. Experience working in a museum or planetarium setting.
5. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including cultural practitioners and scientists.
6. Technical experience maintaining and troubleshooting planetarium systems.

To Apply: Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach each required document. A complete application must include:

1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications
2. Resume
3. Names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three current professional references
4. Transcript(s) showing degrees and course work appropriate to the position (copies are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required prior to employment).

Please do not include any self-identifying photos. Please redact references to Social Security number and birthdates on transcript copies. All requested documents/information will become the property of the University. All minimum qualifications must be met by the hire date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Failure to submit all required documents and reference information shall deem an application to be incomplete.
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Inquiries: Lisa Spain,

EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

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In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

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