Education & Engagement Senior Assistant

The Senior Hawai‘i Education & Engagement (E&E) Assistant implements local E&E programming that aligns with strategic goals, mission and vision for NOIRLab’s Communications Education and Engagement (CEE) Division using processes and workflows across the Programs established in line with the NOIRLab and CEE Values: scientific authenticity, transparency, collaboration, inclusion, creativity, and efficiency. This position reports to the Hawai‘i Education & Engagement Manager for E&E duties (80%), and to the Head of Communications for communications duties (20%).

Essential Functions:

• Guide summit and base public tours (under supervision of the Visits Coordinator) at ~20% FTE level corresponding to approximately 1 visits/week as required (split roughly 4-1 summit-to-base visits) ensuring the safety of guests and providing accurate and timely information to visitors at our facilities.
• Assist in Education and Engagement programs for our local and Indigenous communities on Hawai‘i Island, such as the annual Journey through the Universe program and participation/coordination in/of other community events as “events of opportunity” that arise.
• Present at teacher workshops and other educator training opportunities.
• Track E&E events on the CEE Metrics Worksheet and provide quality checks to ensure that the data is consistent.
• Assist in evaluating existing and potential new programming for educational effectiveness, and audience needs for local and indigenous target audiences under supervision of the NOIRLab Astronomy Education Specialist.
• Lead the development and implementation of the NOIRLab Education Newsletter under supervision of the Communications Manager including concept, set-up and implementation of workflow, discussion with stakeholders, delegation of work to peers and service teams, and quality checks.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing projects, provide feedback and prioritize and re-prioritize urgent and important tasks with staff.
• Assist in the development of a small traveling exhibit for US-ELTP under supervision of the NOIRLab Astronomy Education Specialist, as well as staffing the exhibit at one or more conferences.
• Coordinate the planning, maintain the content and presentation of the ‘Live from NOIRLab’ virtual program across all sites (HI, CL, AZ).
• Write monthly internal news announcements for the NOIRLab Internal Newsletter under supervision of the communications manager

 Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or science-related field or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of experience supporting community outreach programs.
• A proficiency in English, with strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in computer operation using basic word processing, spreadsheets and email.
• Familiarity with modern and naked-eye astronomy and the ability to share knowledge effectively with K-12 students.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience implementing Education and Engagement programs for the local and indigenous communities of Hawai‘i
• Experience in the development of written content for Astronomy or science-related articles or newsletters.

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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Ability to work at 14,000 feet; working during inclement weather occasionally required. Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed if medically necessary).

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected].

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by January 27, 2023.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons.  All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment.  Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed. 

Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.