Job Title: Director of Astronomy
Department: Astronomy
Reports To: President & CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Starting Pay: $40,000 – $50,000

Summary

The Director of Astronomy oversees the day-to-day operation of astronomy and space science programming for the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH) including the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Village. This position coordinates and supervises all activities of the Astronomy Department, including the production and delivery of educational and entertaining astronomy and space science programming and development of new exhibits and experiences.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of DSNH. As a member of management, this position represents and advocates for Astronomy strategy and programs in the institution as well as with the Board of Trustees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversees daily operation of the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater, Apollo telescope, junior observatory and Hall of the Universe; monitors safety, order, and cleanliness of all astronomy spaces.
• Oversees maintenance and performs the maintenance and operation of astronomy equipment and exhibits.
• Produces, implements, and facilitates planetarium and laser shows.
• Collaborates with the Education Department as a subject matter expert to aid in the development of astronomy programming for students and adults.
• Stays up to date on current astronomy news and research, and shares information with our guests through programming as appropriate.
• Collaborates with other departments in the organization to leverage organizational strategies for educational purposes and to enable astronomy to help other areas do the same.
• Assists Director of Education in working with community, school, corporate, government, and institutional groups and organizations to increase awareness of the DSNH as an educational resource, and to build and strengthen these relationships to promote STEM learning and increase attendance and participation in DSNH programs.
• Reviews didactic material produced by DSNH to ensure educational mission alignment and content accuracy.
• Assists in the development of educational programs and curricula, on-site, off-site, and virtually, paying special attention and focus on building diverse and inclusive experiences and striving to reach underserved audiences.
• Works with the Development and Finance teams to identify and apply for funding from donors, government agencies, corporate and community partners.
• Establishes goals, objectives, and priorities for DSNH staff and establishes plans to meet these goals.
• Develops and executes a long-term strategy for astronomy and space sciences at the Museum.
• Continually develops and enhances educational offerings of the Astronomy Department.
• Furnishes the educational community with astronomy resource materials.
• Provides information regarding upcoming astronomy events to inform the media and public, including but not limited to contributions to the DSNH website, newsletters, and press releases.
• Maintains a professional relationship with Digistar Users group, Planetarium Association, and attend educational planetarium workshops and seminars.
• Plans and oversees astronomy special events.
• Researches and investigates space theater equipment and plans future purchases and upgrades.
• Acts as liaison to the Miami Valley Astronomical Society.
• Maintains and distributes legal records to ASCAP, the CDRH, and to the FDA.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience

Master’s Degree in Astronomy or a related field, and at least 5 years of experience working in a planetarium. Supervisory experience highly preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate

Interested candidates should forward an Application or resume to:

hr@boonshoftmuseum.org

Job Title: Rentals Assistant
Department: Community Engagement and Events
Reports To: Community Engagement and Events Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly – $11-$12/hr

Summary

Seeking a part-time Rentals Assistant responsible for maintaining an environment that is welcoming, upbeat, and comfortable for all guests of the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH) including the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village/Archeological Park. The Rentals Assistant is responsible for providing supervision and assistance for birthday parties and private events taking place at DSNH. This position will provide day-of contact for private events clients and coordinate the day-of execution of DSNH rentals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensure that all visitors are professional welcomed with information to make certain that they can fully enjoy the Boonshoft Museum and SunWatch.
• Provide an outstanding model of customer service standards for all employees and volunteers to follow, and present a friendly, welcoming, and professional image to visitors.
• Serves as onsite, day-of private rental contact during outside utilization of DNSH facilities, including overseeing building preparation, usage, coordination of outside vendors, and clean up after events including daytime birthday parties.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Exceptional customer service skills
• Experience talking to customers, defining problems, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions.
• Ability to work varied hours/days to oversee private events
• Possession of attributes such as attention to detail, strong communication skills, problem solving capabilities, and flexibility.
• Prior experience in working special events or event management is preferred but not required.
• An interest and dedication to the mission and vision of the Dayton Society of Natural History.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should forward a resume to:
hr@boonshoftmuseum.org

Job Title: Building Attendant
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Facilities Director
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-exempt – $14

Summary: Seeking full-time or part-time building attendant to perform custodial work in building interior, including building offices, lounges, office areas, classrooms, restrooms, corridors, elevators, food court and stairways.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Sweeps, vacuums, mops, scrubs, waxes and polishes floors and woodwork using industrial vacuum cleaners and scrubbing and buffing machines.
• Sometimes using ladders, dusts and polishes light fixtures.
• Moves cabinets, boxes, furniture, crates and equipment to clean areas.
• May remove stains from such surfaces as rugs, walls, and floors using chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Transports trash and waste to disposal area.
• Washes windows, door panels, and sills.
• Clean Education area including emptying trash, sweep and mop floors as needed.
• Clean and sanitize water fountains.
• Toilets, urinals and sinks to be scrubbed.
• Replenishes bathroom supplies.
• Back up Maintenance staff as needed.
• Complete tasks list that are posted, written and verbal.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily and must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Candidates must possess a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED (high school equivalency certificate), three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notices.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Interested Candidates, please email:
hr@boonshoftmuseum.org

Job Title: Building Maintenance Technician, Full Time
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Facilities Director
FLSA Status: Hourly Non-exempt – $12-16/hr

Summary
Maintains and repairs physical structures of buildings and maintains grounds by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Receives written work orders or verbal instructions from supervisor.
• Mows grass, trim weeds and plows gardens on the organization’s property.
• Operates snow/ice removal equipment to maintain parking lots and sidewalks.
• Cleans internal areas of buildings, including buffing, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping.
• Maintain vehicles and grounds equipment (tractors and lawn mowers, weed trimmers, garden tools, etc.), maintain and fill in maintenance schedules as needed.
• Empties trash cans and consolidates trash for weekly pickup.
• Paints interior and exterior walls and trim.
• Operates forklift to move heavy items.
• Cuts down and removes trees.
• Inventory supplies, equipment and tools, order materials as needed.
• Maintains and repairs building involving minor plumbing and electrical systems, includes replacing worn or defective parts such as switches, fuses and light bulbs.
• Minor carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and attend to repair emergencies as needed (water leaks, etc.)
• Monitors fire extinguishers and emergency drills.
• Monitor schedules for Sonitrol (security), Simplex (fire), city fire and other inspections, HVAC system, roofing inspections, etc.
• Responsible for set up and breakdown of tables, chairs, pipe and drape, trash cans, etc. for institutional events.
• Supervise Community Service Program, using court ordered “volunteers” to clean museum, mow, weed and trim around the facility.
• Assists other departments with moving furniture and unloading and storing supplies.
• Back-up housekeeping, grounds-keeping and facilities manager as needed.
• Complete tasks list that are posted, written and verbal.

Helpful Attributes: An outstanding attitude of customer service, professionalism and teamwork; Able to follow instructions and respond to management direction; reliable and responsible traits; commit to working extra hours if necessary. Good work ethic, attendance, and punctuality a must.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Knowledge of building maintenance, plumbing, machinery, electrical, HVAC.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (or GED); or six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Physical Functions: This is a physically demanding job. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Work Environment / Hazards: Works in a busy – fast-paced department, must be aware of relevant dangers.

Interested candidates should forward a resume to:
hr@boonshoftmuseum.org

Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Work Hours: 16 to 19 hours per week, some weekend work required | Applications for the Winter Session (January – March) must be received by October 15; Summer Session (June – August) by March 15; Fall Session (September – November) by July 15.

Reports To: Curator of Live Animals

Overview:

• The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is seeking applicants for the Animal Care Internship. Interns work with animal care staff for 10 to 14 weeks during Winter, Summer or Fall Sessions and gain experience in the areas of animal care, record keeping, animal enrichment and interpretation of animal exhibits.
• Internships in the Live Animal Department are non-paid positions and hours worked accumulate as volunteer hours.
• Interns will work between 16 and 19 hours per week with a minimum of 190 hours completed. Schedules will be coordinated with the Curator of Live Animals and will include weekend hours.
• Duties include daily maintenance of the animal exhibits, behind the scenes areas, and visitor spaces. Interns will learn how to present educational programs to Museum visitors.
• Each intern must complete an independent project for the Live Animal Department if completing the externship for credit. The project will be selected with guidance from department curators.

Qualifications:

• Interns must be a currently enrolled in college degree program or have completed a college degree within the past two years.
• Interns must be able to perform basic animal care activities including standing for extended periods, bending, sweeping and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Interns must be able to tolerate the presence of animal fur, feathers, and bedding.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to:

Associate Curator of Live Animals
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414

Email: ltoth@boonshoftmuseum.org

Applications for the Winter Session (January – March) must be received by October 15; Summer Session (June – August) by March 15; Fall Session (September – November) by July 15.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and houses a diverse collection of over 125 animals.

POSITION: Animal Behavior Internship
LOCATION: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, Ohio
WORK HOURS: 8 hours per week
REPORTS TO: Curator of Live Animals

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is seeking applicants for the Animal Behavior Internship. Interns work with animal care staff for 12 weeks during Winter, Summer or Fall Sessions and gain experience in animal psychology.

The Animal Behavior Internship is focused on gaining an understanding of “why animals do the thing.” Interns will learn about animal welfare, animal behavior, animal enrichment, and animal training. These four categories help us understand how to improve the lives of animals under human care. Each category has an associated project our intern is to complete to gain an understanding of how animal behavior is measured and understood.

This internship is focused on animal behavior rather than animal husbandry. Interns will not be expected to participate in cleaning habitats or other regular cleaning tasks. Interns will be expected to read scientific articles, stand for long periods of time conducting observational data, and complete research and paperwork pertinent to our animals.

By gaining an understanding of how our animals are spending their time and how they interact with their environment, interns will be providing us with invaluable insight into their lives.

Qualifications

Interns must be currently enrolled in a college degree program or have completed a college degree within the past two years.

Interns must be able to tolerate the presence of animal fur, feathers and bedding.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Associate Curator of Live Animals, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, OH 45414 or LToth@boonshoftmuseum.org

Applications for the Winter Session (mid-January through April) must be received by October 15; Summer Session (June through August) by March 15; Fall Session (September through November) by July 15.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and houses a diverse collection of over 125 animals

Position: Animal Interpretive Internship – Fall Session (mid-August – November)

Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Work Hours: 16 hours per week, some weekend work may be required | Applications for the Fall Session (September – November) by July 15.

Reports To: Curator of Live Animals

Overview:

The Animal Interpretive Internship is focused on facilitating students’ interpretive skills and animal ambassador handling techniques. This internship provides interns a unique opportunity to become involved with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s educational efforts on-site, off-site, and at special events. Participants will join a multidiscipline team and collaborate with Education and Live Animals Department team members throughout their internship. In doing so, Interns will gain experiences with established professionals, mentors, and new skills. These skills include, but are not limited to; safe animal handling techniques, public speaking, foundational interpretation skills, collaborative programming, informal education experiences, record keeping, and familiarity in guest relations. The animal ambassador collection includes birds, reptiles, mammals, arthropods, and amphibians. This internship is focused on interpretation utilizing live animals rather than animal husbandry.

• Internships in the Live Animal Department are non-paid positions and hours worked accumulate as volunteer hours. Housing is not provided. 
• Interns will work 16 hours per week.
• Schedules will be coordinated with the Curator of Live Animals and Director of Education and may include weekend hours.

Qualifications:

• Interns must be a currently enrolled in college degree program or have completed a college degree within the past two years.
• Interns will be expected to read scientific articles, stand for long periods of time and complete paperwork pertinent to our animals.
• Interns must be able to tolerate the presence of animal fur, feathers, and bedding.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to:

Associate Curator of Live Animals
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414

OR Email:
ltoth@boonshoftmuseum.org

Applications for the Winter Session (January – March) must be received by October 15; Summer Session (June – August) by March 15; Fall Session (September – November) by July 15.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and houses a diverse collection of over 125 animals