Talk about Space: Buhl Planetarium Volunteer

Position Title: Buhl Planetarium Adult Volunteer

Supervisor: Assistant Manager of Buhl Planetarium and Observatory

Goal or Purpose of the Position:

• • Kamin Science Center connects people and science, igniting curiosity that endures for a lifetime.
  • Engage visitors with dynamic experiences that convey the wonders of the cosmos and the achievements of human space exploration

Responsibilities:

• • Conduct science activities and hands-on demonstrations with planetarium guests.
  • Provide excellent customer service, meeting the needs of our diverse audiences.
  • Assist with day-to-day operations of the Buhl Planetarium including line/crowd control, seating, preparing the planetarium for shows, making building announcements and answering guest’s questions.
  • Assist with/operate telescopes during Skywatch and/or other Buhl Planetarium programs
  • Volunteers may also be asked to help planetarium department with special events and in the observatory.
  • Adult volunteers may be asked to assist planetarium staff in mentoring teen volunteers, or in generating ideas for new and refined programs.
  • Please note that Skywatch programs occur outdoors in low-light conditions. Activities will be set up on the Science Center roof, which may be cold and/or windy, depending on weather conditions.

Time Commitment:

• • Volunteers will typically be assigned as Planetarium volunteers OR as Skywatch volunteers with the corresponding time commitments as stated below.
  • Buhl Planetarium: Minimum 4-hour per week + mandatory orientation for a minimum of 6 months. Shifts may be available 7 days a week from 10-2 and 1-5. Volunteers are required to commit to one 4-hour shift/week at the same time on the same day. Exceptions can be made with prior Supervisor consent. Volunteers may also assist with Skywatch, a monthly evening program.
  • Skywatch: Minimum 4 events between April and September + mandatory volunteer orientation. Shifts may occur 1-2 times a month from 8pm to midnight.

Parameters

• • Volunteers will not lead planetarium shows

Skills Required:

Required

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Passion for science, astronomy, and space exploration
• Ability to speak in public, translating science content for general audiences
• Enthusiasm for engaging audiences of all ages
• Ability to take constructive feedback
• Ability to work in a team environment

Desired

• Knowledge in observational astronomy
• Experience in public speaking or educational presentations
• Comfortable working with, or learning how to work with, computers and technology

Skills to be learned:

• • Leading science presentation outside of the dome
  • Engaging a diverse range of visitors, in terms of age as well as familiarity with astronomy concepts
  • Informal space education development and demonstration

Work Location:

• • Kamin Science Center

Volunteer Benefits:

• • Free Parking
  • Museum Discounts

Clearances

• • Upon acceptance into the program, all volunteers are required to provide and pay for background checks and clearances. Act 33 and 34 Clearances are free for volunteers.
  • Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34).
  • Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34) plus an FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114).