Apologies for cross-posting.

Sent on behalf of Catherine Price

Thinktank, Birmingham's award-winning science museum, will be opening a new planetarium in December 2005. The 70-seater theatre will house a 6-channel Digistar 3 projection system in a 10-m dome. We are now recruiting for two planetarium presenters. Please read all descriptions and instructions carefully.

Title Planetarium Presenter
Salary £14, 000
No. of posts 2
Principal Function
To support the Planetarium Manager in delivering a programme of astronomy presentations in the new 70-seater Planetarium within Thinktank, and creating further programmes and shows as the Planetarium becomes more established. To ensure problem-free operation of the Planetarium seven days a week, 362 days a year, with an estimated audience of 60,000 per annum. To enthuse and educate school groups, the general public and specialist interest groups about astronomy.

Principal Duties
* To deliver a comprehensive public and schools programme consisting of presenter-led astronomy presentations for both adult and children audiences, as well as operating a variety of automated shows
* To assist in the training of Thinktank's Education Officers to deliver curriculum linked Planetarium shows and related workshops
* To work with a wide range of audiences and to actively contribute to diversifying Thinktank's visitor profile through developing planetarium services and products which meet the needs of Birmingham's diverse communities
* Interact with visitors and communicate the importance of science and astronomy accurately and enthusiastically; being sensitive towards visitors with specific views, ideas and experiences
* Maintain a fresh general knowledge of topical, astronomy-related news and issues, so as to be confident answering questions related to astronomy and Space exploration; explaining astronomy concepts by making links to visitors' everyday experiences
* Ensure the health and safety of visitors through supervision and control of the Planetarium facility; completion of maintenance checks and general light cleaning of the theatre prior to opening and careful operation and supervision of highly sophisticated planetarium equipment
* To work closely with the Planetarium Manager, in-house technicians and building contractors to help carry out initial troubleshooting of equipment
* Ensure a high standard of astronomy and science teaching is maintained throughout the team of Planetarium Presenters and other Thinktank staff, contributing towards a healthy level of enthusiasm and morale
* Work closely with marketing colleagues to publicise the planetarium, as well as regularly answering media questions about astronomy phenomena, celestial occurrences and other events on the astronomy calendar
* Work closely with the Planetarium Manager to acquire and create new shows, as well as collaborating with external partners to produce imaginative new content
* Network with planetarium professionals both nationally and internationally
* Work hard towards establishing Thinktank's Planetarium as a leader amongst small planetariums worldwide
* To represent Thinktank and the Planetarium at external events as appropriate
* To undertake any specialist training required by the post
* To undertake any other duties for the needs of the business, including from time to time, supporting Thinktank's team of Science Presenters and Gallery Enablers
* To adhere to Thinktank's Equal Opportunities policy

Person Specification
* Confident and inspiring communicator with a deep passion for astronomy
* Can successfully convey complex astronomical phenomena to lay audiences
* Shows evidence of creativity, and has an innovative approach to science communication
* Experienced in dealing with the public, community groups, school children & specialist interest groups
* Can differentiate between audiences - adapts to different types and groups of people
* Enjoys working as part of a small team; confident to work alone
* Has a flexible attitude to working hours - weekends and public holidays will be on a rota basis
* Can deal with colleagues and visitors with empathy, tact and courtesy
* Good knowledge of IT, with a willingness to learn new programs as required for planetarium operations
* Competency in PhotoShop, Adobe After Effects or similar graphics programmes desirable
* Familiarity with telescopes and experience with celestial observing desirable
* Ideally has a bachelor's degree in either astronomy or the biological sciences
* At least two years experience working in a planetarium or a science museum desirable
* Has a capacity to learn and retain knowledge

Response Instructions
Applicants are asked to submit a completed application form plus an up to date CV and any other supporting information or material they feel is appropriate. Please note that it is important to ensure that applications address the appointment criteria as detailed in the person specification.

All completed applications are should be returned to:
Catherine Price
Thinktank
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
United Kingdom

Or emailed to:
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Applications can be faxed on:
+44 (0)121 202 2290
It is requested that such faxes are followed up with a 'clean' application in the post

The closing date is Thursday 22nd September 2005
All complete applications must be returned by this date

Queries
Should you have any queries relating to any aspect of this appointment process please telephone Catherine Price/Byron Fletcher on +44 (0)121 202 2202/2289

 <<Planetarium Presenter Job Pack 2005.doc>>
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Thinktank Trust
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham B4 7XG

Registered charity no 1061898


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