Griffith Observatory Employment Opportunities
Employer Information
Griffith Observatory, opened to the public in 1935, is a non-profit educational institution whose purpose is to provide information on astronomy and related sciences to the public. With nearly two million visitors a year, the Observatory is one of the top tourist attractions in Southern California and for over 70 years has established itself as a source of inspiration and education for all visitors.
The Observatory has completed its four year renovation and expansion
project, with improvements including the new 200-seat Leonard Nimoy Event
Horizon theater, doubling of the exhibit space to house more than 60 new and
exciting exhibits, and new sound, lighting, interior dome and digital laser
projection technology in the refurbished Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater.
Employment opportunities continue now that we have reopened.
Full-Time postition avaiable
Astronomical Lecturer
Salary: $50,425.20 - $62,640.00 per year
The Astronomical Lecturer at Griffith Observatory is a full-time, exempt employee of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks who provides significant assistance in the development and presentation of astronomical content for public and educational programs, exhibits, the Observatory website, and training of Observatory interpretive staff. The Astronomical Lecturer supports the Observatory’s mission of public outreach and education about astronomy and related sciences by assisting in developing and implementing creative and exciting educational astronomical programs and content, for both children and adults, through a variety of methods (programming, lectures, exhibits, website, articles). In essence, the incumbent is focused on the development and delivery of content, both directly and through training of other members of the interpretive staff. The Astronomical Lecturer reports to the Curator of Griffith Observatory.
For a full description of the duties and qualifications for this position, please download the job description here
To apply for this position, send your resume to:
Lily Astorga
Human Resources Division
Department of Recreation and Parks
City of Los Angeles
1200 West 7th Street Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Fax Number 213-928-9210
Applications will be accepted until further notice. Candidates will be scheduled for an interview as soon as sufficient applications are received. This is a full-time, exempt employment opportunity with the City of Los Angeles.
Exciting Part-time positions available!
Observatory Theater Technician
Salary: $17.50 per Hour
Griffith Observatory Theater Technicians are part-time, at-will employees of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, Griffith Observatory. Theater Technicians are responsible for the startup, set-up, shutdown, and the running of planetarium equipment for shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium--a 290 seat theater.
The theater tech will troubleshoot common equipment problems that occur during or outside of the show schedule, keep a daily log of all such occurrences, and make judgment calls that contribute to decisions regarding planetarium operations and/or show cancellation. Safety procedures and emergency shutdown of planetarium equipment are also the theater tech’s responsibility. The theater tech may also support the technical needs of the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater at Griffith Observatory as needed.
Available Hours:
Up to 15 to 20 hours per week based on the number of shows, the employee’s availability and ability - there is no minimum guarantee of the number of hours worked. Hours will vary, and can include evenings (until 10:00 p.m.) and weekends.
The Observatory is closed to the public on Mondays, although some performances of shows can be scheduled for special events on Mondays. There will be significant hours required for training before being able to run programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and that time may include Mondays. Training time will be paid at the hourly rate shown above.
Description of Duties:
Operates the 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater at Griffith Observatory during public planetarium shows. Prepares and controls equipment (including projectors, sound, lighting, master controller, props) and activities during public presentations.
Coordinates all activities with the theater manager and the assigned Observatory Lecturer who is presenting the production live to the audience.
Monitors equipment, stage, and patron areas of the theater to ensure patron safety.
Tests and troubleshoots equipment and theater environment. Works with other technicians and operators, including outside vendors and experts, to make sure theater is operating.
Prepares log reports regarding theater operation and any problems encountered.
Job Qualifications:
Must have a high school education. Some college education is preferred.
Must have one year or more experience involving operation, use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of theatrical equipment, including computer systems, audio and lighting, and prop equipment.
Must be a good communicator and be able to work under pressure.
Applications:
To apply for this position, send your resume to:
Patrick So, Observatory Program Supervisor
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Fax Number: 213-473-0816
Applications will be accepted until further notice. Candidates will be scheduled for an interview as soon as sufficient applications are received. This is an at-will, exempt employment opportunity with the City of Los Angeles.
Link: The City of Los Angeles Employment Page.
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Please watch this page for further employment opportunities.
The City of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. As a covered entity under Title II of the American with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
