Graduate Assistant - John C. Wells Planetarium
Graduate Assistant - John C. Wells Planetarium
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Job Description
Working Title: Graduate Assistant - John C. Wells Planetarium
State Role Title:Graduate Assistant
Position Type:Graduate Assistant
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics
Department: 100032 - Physics Department
Pay Rate:Stipend
Specify Range or Amount: $10110 ($5055 per semester)
Is this a JMU only positionN/A
Is this a grant-funded positionNo
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionN/A
Beginning Review Date:06/23/2025
About JMU:
Located in the heart of Virginias beautiful Shenandoah Valley the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington D.C. and Richmond VA. With a population of just over 53000 Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20000 undergraduate and 1900 graduate students with over 1000 full-time instructional faculty.
General Information:
The Department of Physics & Astronomy seeks a Graduate Assistant for the 2025-26 academic year to provide support for the John C. Wells Planetarium. Assistants will contribute to the overall success of the Planetarium with primary responsibilities focusing on our public shows. Assistants will work an average of 20 hours per week; night and weekend hours are required. The assistantship dates are from August 10 2025 to May 9 2026.
Duties and Responsibilities:
All duties and responsibilities will be explained in more detail during the interview process. Below is a list of some basic responsibilities.
- Hosting and presenting public planetarium shows.
- Scheduling and training undergraduate student assistants to present planetarium shows to the public.
- Manage and schedule group show reservation requests.
- Assist with outreach programs such as the monthly Sunday Science for Girls if/as needed.
- Assist with other planetarium projects as needed.
- Potential for instructional opportunities in ISCI 104 if applicants desire and background allows.
- Be able to work independently and comply with confidentiality guidelines.
- Work an average of 20 hours per week; night and weekend availability is required.
Qualifications:
- Must be able to work night and weekend hours.
- Must be an engaging and clear public speaker.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a professional environment.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational time management and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Ability to calmly and respectfully engage with members of the public.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program the following criteria must be met:
The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.
The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency
After receiving an assistantship the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.
These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age color disability gender identity or expression genetic information national origin parental status political affiliation race religion sex sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access inclusion and diversity for all students faculty staff constituents and programs believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: .
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at or You may also visit the Office of Disability Services located in the Student Success Center Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.
Employment Type
Student
