[ES_JOBS_NET] Director of University of Maine Emera Astronomy Center

[Erika Marín-Spiotta]

  *Position Title*:
 Director of University of Maine Emera Astronomy Center (id:27315)
  *Department*:
 Physics & Astronomy
  *Bargaining Unit*:
 UMPSA
  *Salary Band/Wage Band*:
 16/05

https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=27315&job=director-of-university-of-maine-emera-astronomy-center

  *Purpose*:

The University of Maine Department of Physics and Astronomy invites
applications for a full-time, fiscal-year Director of the University of
Maine Emera Astronomy Center, effective January 1, 2016 or sooner.  The
Director is responsible for the maintenance and development of the Maynard
F. Jordan Planetarium including making presentations and carrying out
public educational programs and programs relating to introductory astronomy
courses.  Responsibilities also include coordinating the Maynard F. Jordan
Observatory and Clark Telescope Observatory including planning,
implementing, and evaluating their use.  Typical hiring range for this
position is $52,000 to $60,000 commensurate with experience and
qualifications.
  *Essential Duties & Responsibilities*:

Develop and manage physical space and equipment under the auspices of the
Emera Astronomy Center, including the Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium, the
Maynard F. Jordan Observatory, and the Clark Telescope Observatory. This
includes:

   - Act as building manager for the Planetarium and Observatories.
   - Plan and perform maintenance and repair of equipment in the
   Planetarium and oversee maintenance of the Observatories, their telescopes,
   and associated equipment.
   - Oversee installation and maintenance of all necessary computer
   equipment and software in the Planetarium and Observatories.
   - Communicate with vendors regarding outside support and services.
   - Monitor hazardous waste and environmental safety issues for the
   Planetarium and Observatory.



Train and manage personnel in the Planetarium and Observatories. This
includes:

   - Hire, train, and supervise student employees to present programs and
   perform ancillary support work.
   - Train and schedule volunteer operators to conduct public observing
   hours at the observatory.
   - Train all employees and volunteers in work place policies governing
   behavior, substance abuse, payroll practices, and workplace safety.



Develop and maintain a regular schedule of planetarium programs and
observatory use for the benefit of the University campus community and
visitors. This includes:

   - Develop presentations and media programs, including programming the
   presentation systems of the Planetarium, and keep records of these programs
   and presentations.
   - Schedule presentations.
   - Work closely with K-12 schools to promote the educational use of the
   Planetarium and Observatories.
   - Evaluate the effectiveness of programs.
   - Coordinate public and academic use of the observatory.
   - Disseminate public releases and advertising materials.



Establish and maintain good business practices, consistent with University
policies. This includes:

   - Manage the annual budget of the planetarium operation, including
   planning, researching, and executing all purchases of materials and
   equipment for the facility.
   - Manage revenues to the Planetarium budget account. Requires training
   in University financial procedures.
   - Manage and maintain inventory and sales of giftware from the
   Planetarium gift shop.



Engage in professional activities, work with local and campus museums and
organizations, and represent the Astronomy Center in the media. This
includes:

   - Maintain membership and represent the University of Maine as an active
   member in planetarium and related organizations.
   - Collaborate with campus museums and other organizations to coordinate
   activities and planetarium programming.
   - Make public appearances as a media information specialist, such as
   performing speaking engagements before civic organizations.



Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy,
civility, and mutual respect.

   - Works effectively and cooperatively with members of the department
   staff, UMaine administration, the campus community, and external clients
   and customers.
   - Perform other reasonably related duties.

  *Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications*:

   - This position requires a Masters Degree or higher, preferably
   including subjects related to science education, communication, and
   astronomy and one or more years of additional relevant professional
   experience.
   - Experience with planetarium- and observatory-related technologies
   (e.g., Sky Skan Definiti Theater 4K Digital Sky 2 System, Chromacove
   Nanocove LED lighting system, and PlaneWave CDK20 reflector telescope
   equipped with an Apogee ccd camera), with an ability to diagnose problems
   and perform repairs or contract repair work, is required.
   - Experience or formal education in observational astronomy is required,
   including familiarity with celestial phenomena and current and past
   interpretations of celestial objects.
   - Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills are
   required, applying to (1) telephone and electronic communications, (2)
   public speaking both in and of out of the Planetarium, and (3) supervisory
   instruction of students and staff.
   - Demonstrated skills in writing public relations materials and
   advertising, such as brochures, newsletters, press releases, and website
   materials, is required.
   - Quantitative skills are required and experience with budget management
   is preferred. University financial management training is required after
   hire.
   - Must be able to work in confined spaces and assume awkward reaching
   positions to access equipment. Some lifting of heavy items, climbing, and
   work on ladders required.

    Work takes place in the new Emera Astronomy Center.  The Planetarium
includes a theatre, technical room, production studio, multi-purpose room,
gift shop, and office space.  The Observatories require regular maintenance
and training.  Maintenance and repair require careful communication with
vendors and University offices in the role of solicitor and contact person
for service-related issues.  To maintain the facility, the Director must
often move through tight spaces and awkward positions to access equipment.
The Director is responsible for the performance of the facility and is
considered on-call for any emergencies.



Annually, there are about 300 presentations to about 10,000 visitors of all
ages.  The Director must manage performances based on mechanical
limitations and reasonable work schedules for employees.  The Director and
all employees must be prepared at all times to communicate efficiently and
cordially to all age groups.  In particular, necessary skills include
behavior management, affective communication at many levels, effective
educational methods, adeptness at managing the technical aspects of the
position, and a sense of dramatic oratory.



The Director must accommodate part-time student workers in order to manage
a full-time public service program.  Due to the flexibility of student work
schedules, the daily routine of planetarium operations changes
significantly at least once and often several times during the semester.



Located on the northern border of beautiful Downeast Maine, the University
of Maine, Orono, is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System
and is the principal graduate institution in the state.  It is the state's
land grant and sea grant university, enrolling nearly 12,000 students.
Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools in neighborhoods
where children can walk to school, high quality medical care, little
traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a
wonderful place to live.  The University of Maine is located just 60 miles
from the beautiful Bar Harbor area and Acadia National Park and two hours
from Portland, offering access to a wealth of outdoor activities and a
thriving restaurant scene.



Appropriate background checks are required.



All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and
procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings,
and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety
Training, Workplace Violence and Sexual Harassment.



To apply, materials must be submitted via “Apply For Position.” You will
need to create a profile and application; upload a cover letter and a
resume/curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and
experiences with specific reference to the required and preferred
qualifications; and provide contact information for three professional
references. *Review of applications will begin July 31, 2015 and continue
until a suitable applicant is found.  Incomplete application materials
cannot be considered.*



*The University of Maine is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability,
protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.*
  *Length*:
 Fiscal Year (12 Months)
  *Required Documents*:
 Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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