Student Employee, Planetarium Fieldtrip Assistant

About the role

This role supports the daily operations, educational programs, and public events of the Trackman Planetarium field trips. The student position plays a key role in creating engaging, educational, and accessible astronomy experiences for visitors of all ages.

Responsibilities include assisting with the setup/facilitation of planetarium shows, field trips, and outreach events, providing exceptional customer service to guests, creation of promotional materials/media content, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

The Planetarium Assistant also helps with research, presentation preparation, and general administrative tasks while gaining hands-on experience in science education, public engagement, teamwork, and event coordination.

• POSITION TITLE: Student Employee, Planetarium Fieldtrip Assistant
• STATUS: Part time
• DEPARTMENT: Center for Continuing Education
• DIVISION: Academic Affairs
• REPORTS TO: Planetarium Outreach Coordinator
• CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt
• Hiring range: $15.00 per hour
• (Position is FWS Eligible)

Essential Job Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Greet and usher visitors to JJC and the Trackman Planetarium for events and field trips.
• Assist in the coordination and facilitation of planetarium shows, educational programming, community outreach, in-house science demonstrations, camps, and classes.
• Supervise, guide, and direct school age children, educators, and chaperones throughout scheduled field trip events, ensuring timely transitions between activities.
• Engage audiences on topics in astronomy, physics, and aerospace.
• Present the history of JJC's Cronin Schoolhouse with field trip visitors.
• Aids in researching planetarium show content and imagery, presenting lectures, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Coordinate social media efforts to increase outreach and awareness of Planetarium events. Create promotional items and visual displays, flyers, TV promos, brochures, bulletin boards, and other materials to market events.
• Research, summarize, and catalog content for new full dome films.
• Maintains cleanliness and safety in the Planetarium environment.
• Attend training and become familiar with the Planetarium digital projection system, including audio, video, and full dome software.
• Assist the Planetarium Coordinator in use of the Traveling Trackman Planetarium at local schools. Including set up/break down, greeting, seating, and transitioning of groups throughout the scheduled event.
• Track and report data of Planetarium events and attendance throughout the semester.
• Reserve booking of the dome for public shows, field trips, and other events via 25Live.
• Collaborate with other departments and promote campus-wide partnerships.
• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community.
• Perform related other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• GPA of 2.0 or above.
• Must be enrolled at JJC in at least 6 credit hours.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in related fields of Astronomy, Science, and/or Education
• Availability on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
• Must be able to work well with K-12 students, adults with special needs, and diverse community members.
• Must be able to communicate effectively. Strong public speaking, verbal, written, and customer service skills.
• Computer literacy
• Attentiveness to detail, excellent organizational skills, initiative, and multitasking.
• Demonstrate professionalism with commitment to JJC's mission and Core Values
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to travel to off-campus locations as needed. Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Experience with classroom or group management.
• English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
• Demonstrated multicultural competence.

Physical Demands

• Office and classroom clean-up will require the ability to kneel on the floor and/or bend at the waist.
• Ability to lift and move equipment.
• Ability to navigate indoor and outdoor areas while leading groups.

Working Conditions

• The Planetarium environment may be dark at times.
• Shows may include flashing lights, motion visuals, and immersive sound effects that could affect individuals with light or motion sensitivity.
• Appropriate accommodations will be provided as needed.

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: M/W/F Availability.
• This is a student employee position that works with your class schedule.
• May work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.
• During summer and holiday breaks (Winter/Spring), may work up to 28 hours per week with supervisor approval.

• Full Time/Part Time: Part time
• Scheduled Hours: 15
• Full Time/Part Time: Part time

Union (If Applicable)

Scheduled Hours: 20