Planetarium Student Staff

MSU Olin Health Center; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Abrams Planetarium is seeking student staff to help run weekend and afterhours programming. You will assist with presenting shows, handling tickets, and engaging visitors of all ages.

Responsibilities include operating the planetarium, cashiering, and supporting events such as rentals and community activities. Training will be provided for Digistar 7, and successful applicants must be enrolled at MSU, with weekend/evening availability.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a student.
• Ability to present science topics clearly to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to learn the Digistar 7 system and astronomy topics.

Responsibilities

• Run regular weekend planetarium shows for the public.
• Cashiering and learning the point-of-sale system.
• Assist with events such as rentals, portable planetarium setups, and community activities.
• Work weekends and some weekday evenings as needed.

Job description

and the job listing Expires on September 21, 2026

Abrams Planetarium is seeking student staff to help run weekend and afterhours programming.

Student Staff primarily responsibility is running regular weekend planetarium shows for the public. Duties can include:

• Presenting shows (setting up the theater, taking tickets, playing a pre-recorded presentation, and delivering a live interactive star talk about what is up in the night sky)
• Cashiering (checking in visitors, learning the point-of-sale system, gift counter sales).

There are additional, less regular things that students can help with or work

• Event Rentals (Setting up and Tear down of tables and chairs, run activities and shows, assisting guests as needed).
• Portable Planetarium (Setting up portable dome, giving shows, crown control, and tear down)
• Community Events (setting up activities and handing out flyers at various community events, observing with telescopes).

Successful applicants will be able to present science topics enthusiastically and clearly for ages 4 years old and up. Astronomy knowledge, while a plus, is not necessary as long as the applicant is willing to learn and we encourage applicants from all majors who want to present to and work with the public.

Training will be provided for the planetarium Digistar 7 system as well astronomy topics. Successful applicants be available to work on weekends and weekday evenings, have initiative, ask questions, and communicate clearly with both the public and other planetarium staff.

In order to apply for this position, candidates must be currently enrolled at MSU. Hours are most commonly Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons for up to 10 hours a weekend and split with other staff. Most students work every other weekend. Additional hours available most weeks for events or other needs around the planetarium, though with less predictability.