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Planetarium Systems Coordinator/Educator

Job Title and Job Description

Planetarium Systems Coordinator/Educator

I maintain various specialized media equipment used in the production of educational programming in astronomy. As an astronomer, and educator, I also present programs to schools and general public. In addition, I am also one of the producers of content.

What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?

With the way the field is evolving into the digital age, the planetarium is no longer only a "theater of the stars," but an immersive environment for many different uses. Now, with the use of digital content, one can come in and produce digital content, just as someone who has learned the production of digital content can move into professional content creation such as that used in movie production.

What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?

I am mostly self trained, however, I did have astronomy, physics, and communication classes in college. I learned electronics working for a laser company, and projection technology working for various museums. I still do personal study to stay with changes in technology, and take certificate courses.

What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?

The field has changed so much that different positions on a staff have become very specialized. If you want to produce content, you need to know various 3D programs, and a little network administration. The producers job is still the same. The producer needs to know about the technology, and tools used, but does not need to produce 3-D or audio content. It is best that one has an interest in astronomy, but does not have to be an expert (if not presenting that is).

When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?

Yes, I knew I wanted to go into the field when I was nine.

Skills Profile

Skills UsedRating (5=Most Important thru
1=Not Important)		Comments
Artistic 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Athletic / Physical 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Bilingual 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Computer Technology 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Creative Thinking 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Interpersonal 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Investigative / Fact Finding 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
leadership and Supervising 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Logical Thinking 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Math 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Mechanical Understanding 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Sales and Negotiation 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Scientific and Experimental 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Social Service / Helping Skills 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Teaching / Instructing 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Verbal Communication 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Understanding Yourself 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Writing 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
 

Interview By: Planetarium Systems Coordinator/Educator