Kitt Peak Visitor Center Guide & Docent Coordinator

General Description of Position:

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The Visitor Center is comprised of the museum, retail gift shop, the four Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) telescopes and the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (Windows Center) with its Science on Sphere (SoS), 3 Heliostats and future planetarium. The KPVC operates as an integral part of the Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) unit under the matrixed supervision of the Head of CEE and the Director of Mid-Scale Observatories (MSO).

The full-time role of KPVC Guide & Docent Coordinator involves overseeing the execution of KPVC’s public engagements. This includes supervising both day and night Guides and Docents, writing staffing schedules, and ensuring the smooth operation of all activities. The Guide & Docent Coordinator will assist with the strategic setup of such activities, document the events and training, and conduct quality assessment of the implemented activities. Additionally, the Guide & Docent Coordinator assists in formulating new public and school programs, enriching the array of options available to Kitt Peak visitors.

This position reports to the KPVC Operations Manager. 

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate the comprehensive execution of public programs, encompassing both on-site and virtual astronomy experiences during daytime and evening hours.
• Collaborate with team members from conceptualization and documentation to rehearsal, presentation, audience evaluation, and subsequent enhancements.
• Coordinate and recruit volunteer docents and staff guides to run public programs.
• Coach and train staff and volunteers in the best techniques of program presentation and communication.
• Document guides and docent functions in the Guide/Docent Manual(s) and Training Presentation(s)
• Occasionally lead engaging programs when volunteers or other staff are unavailable.
• Provide excellent customer service to guests, volunteers and supporters/donors.
• Assist the NOIRLab evaluation specialist with program assessment and evaluation tasks, including attendance tracking, collecting visitor feedback, and utilizing insights for ongoing program enhancements.
• Support the KPVC Operations Manager, assist with the development of new public and school programs for instance special events to introduce potential or supporting stakeholders to the observatory, the visitor program, and the Windows Center.
• Adhere consistently to all NOIRLab and KPNO policies and procedures
• Stay up to date with developments related to best practices in the informal science education field and share that knowledge with our staff and volunteers.
• Perform other safety and security functions during shifts at Kitt Peak, as required of all team members.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as astronomy, earth science, science education or other directly relevant field.
• Five years of experience in supervising, training, and inspiring a team of informal educators at an observatory visitor center, science center, natural history museum, planetarium, or other relevant work experience.
• Astronomy knowledge at basic amateur astronomer level
• Current knowledge of trends and developments in the informal science education arena, and/or experience as a science educator.
• Public speaking and ability to present engaging, dynamic, public programs in a theater setting. 
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office
• Flexibility in scheduling is essential, as the role involves occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate daily morning-to-evening and/or overnight public programs.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in handling a diverse audience, colleagues, managers, and volunteers with tact and effectiveness; adeptness in maintaining a professional demeanor in unusual or unforeseen circumstances.
• Ability to obtain CPR and AED certification provided by NOIRLab, and to complete any mandatory safety training.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience operating astronomical telescopes for the public. 
• Advanced astronomy knowledge or astronomy experience
• Demonstrated creativity in developing museum-based programs for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with methods of audience analysis.
• Active or recent membership in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), or other relevant museum or interpretation professional societies.
• Familiarity with the Tohono O’odham Nation and the accomplishments of Kitt Peak National Observatory.

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.

• Able to walk, climb stairs and ladders, and work effectively at Kitt Peak National Observatory, which is located at an altitude of 6,800 feet, for sustained periods of time. 
• Ability to speak clearly, and often at length, with adequate volume to groups during presentations.
• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally stoop or crouch. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 20 to 25 pounds, including computers, monitors, and video projectors. 
• 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; c) climb stairs and ladders; d) bend, kneel, and stoop.
• 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

Salary Range: $23.17- $28.72 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.

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 Employee Benefits Guide (aura-astronomy.org).

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O’odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 14, 2024. 

• Please submit 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 employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.