Planetarium and Data Visualization Specialist (0096554T)

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Research and implement data visualization in the planetarium format across the fields of science, culture, and art.
• Plan, create, and evaluate educational programs for diverse audiences, including K-12, university students, and public visitors.
• Collaborate with the Imiloa Content Team to align scientific knowledge with Hawaiian cultural perspectives.
• Assist in the internal and external development of educational projects, programs, and products that incorporate both English and Hawaiian language medium.
• Engage in planetarium content development for the A Hua He Inoa program and other Imiloa mission-related experiences.
• Participate in off-site visits for research to inform events, programs, and exhibits.
• Develop programs focusing on Polynesian celestial navigation, Hawaiian star lines, and related science and cultural content.
• Assist in data gathering for reports to support project management and grant reporting.
• Research and implement advanced data visualization techniques for interdisciplinary educational use.
• Provide technical support to operate and maintain planetarium systems, including projection systems, AV equipment, and lights.
• Troubleshoot real-time equipment problems and ensure reliable performance.
• Clean, maintain, adjust, and repair planetarium components.
• Train staff and external collaborators on the operation and troubleshooting of planetarium systems.
• Deliver planetarium shows, prepare the planetarium for presentations, and oversee volunteers and student hires.
• Collaborate with scientists, cultural practitioners, educators, and external partners to develop content.
• Engage local experts in sciences, culture, art, and other disciplines to contribute to programming.
• Gather and analyze data for project management and grant reporting.
• Assist the administration team with educational program implementation and events.
• Contribute to reports and evaluations to assess program effectiveness.
• Maintain detailed documentation of technical systems and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of informal and formal K-12 STEM education.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with data visualization and planetarium operations.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical operational problems in a planetarium while ensuring an enjoyable visitor experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and deliver live planetarium shows.

Nice-to-haves

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