Argus Planetarium Presenter

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

University Of Michigan is seeking a part-time presenter for the Argus Planetarium at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. The role involves learning and presenting shows to 1st, 5th, and 8th grade students as part of a collaboration between U-M Museum of Natural History and Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Training will be provided on equipment, presentation techniques, and astronomy. The position is 20 hours per week, with a start in November 2026 and through June 15, 2027, paying $20–$25 per hour and

Qualifications

• BA in natural sciences, education, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 1-2 years formal or informal teaching or group presentation experience.
• Excellent communicator for diverse audiences, dependable and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Schedule shows with AAPS for 1st and 5th grades and 8th grade shows at the museum.
• Learn and operate the Argus/UMMNH Planetarium equipment and present shows.
• Assist with training additional presenters and communicate technical issues.

Skills

Teaching experience

Public speaking

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Education

BA in natural sciences

Job description

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

This is a part-time (20 hours/week) temporary position, and will work from November 2026 (start date TBD) through June 15, 2027 for the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH). The schedule will vary some with the school show schedule. The position will be paid hourly at a rate of $20-25/hour depending on experience. This position is responsible for learning, presenting, and evaluating shows for 1st and 5th grade students at Argus Planetarium, located in Pioneer High School, as well as learning and presenting some shows for Pioneer HS students, as part of an ongoing collaboration between the U-M Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor Public School District. The position will also present 8th grade planetarium shows at the Museum of Natural History. Training will be provided on the equipment, presentation skills, and astronomy, as needed. The position will assist in scheduling the shows and will communicate with teaching and administrative staff in the district, and inform the AAPS and Museum staff of any technical issues they encounter.

Responsibilities*

• Work with the AAPS representative to schedule shows for all available 1st and 5th grade classes.
• Participate in training and become proficient in operating the Argus/UMMNH Planetarium, including teaching techniques, technical skill, and astronomy content for 4 shows (1st grade, 5th grade, 8th grade, High School).
• Startup and shutdown of Argus planetarium for all shows to AAPS 1st and 5th grade and high school classes.
• Present the 1st and 5th grade and high school shows at Argus to all scheduled AAPS 1st and 5th grade classes and high school groups.
• Present the 8th grade shows at the UMMNH planetarium, and assist with any scheduling issues.
• Communicate with teachers regarding any questions they may have about the shows at Argus or the Museum.
• Communicate with the UMMNH Planetarium Manager about any equipment, software, or presentation issues as they arise at Argus or the UMMNH Planetarium.
• Communicate with the AAPS representative for any AAPS/Argus logistical issues as they relate to 1st and 5th grade classes.
• Assist in training an additional presenter to run shows at Argus Planetarium for situations that may arise where the primary presenter is unavailable.
• Working with UMMNH and AAPS staff, establish goals for AAPS shows and create and implement evaluation instruments and a final report.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

BA in natural sciences, education, or related field, or equivalent experience, plus at least 1-2 years formal or informal teaching or group presentation experience. Must be an excellent communicator for diverse audiences, dependable and punctual, and very detail-oriented. Must be able to learn to operate complex planetarium equipment independently. Must have a schedule that allows work at least 3-4 weekdays per week during the school day from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Will be required to complete training modules for working with children upon hire.

Desired Qualifications*

Previous planetarium experience and/or a background in astronomy is highly desirable.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Additional Information

UMMNH is a unit in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checksare performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.