NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.
Our Communication, Education and Engagement (CEE) team is seeking a temporary part-time Student Assistant to assist with interactive online and in-person sessions, create content to increase our online presence, and provide support to our main education and engagement programs and at various local science education outreach events. The programs include Teen Astronomy Café, Globe at Night, Tohono O’odham engagement activities, and Project ASTRO (see program descriptions below). The events include workshops, star parties, after school programs, camps, such as, St. Michael’s Optics Fest, MathMovesU, Tucson Festival of Books, and other events where our participation is requested. In general, a student intern will work primarily with one program while being available to help with various events.
This part-time position is located in Tucson, AZ and is expected to continue for 6 to 12 months, with potential for renewal. The position will be scheduled to work up to 10 hours per week.
Essential Functions:
- Provide event and workshop support by refurbishing materials needed for activities, copying materials, stuffing folders, purchasing items, and other preparatory duties as assigned.
- Set up, take down, and inventory equipment for delivering programs.
- Coordinate and run meetings, training sessions (in zoom and in person), etc.
- Ensure event and workshop supplies are returned to the storage area in a timely fashion and that the storage area remains well organized.
- Maintain kit supplies for projects, ensure proper inventory, order the necessary components, and assemble and ship kits.
- Contribute to creating online or cloudy night educational activities.
- Assist with promotional and administrative activities such as printing and dissemination and getting supplies.
- Other similar tasks related to the specific program with which you’ll be working:
- Inventory and organize content in the EPO storeroom.
Other Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities
- Normally enrolled as college graduate or undergraduate student in relevant field of study.
- Successful completion of a college-level astronomy course
- Knowledge of the night sky, able to locate objects with/without telescopes and binoculars
Preferred Education, Experience, Abilities
- Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Science Education major
- Demonstrated skills in leadership and communication as well as organization, creativity, self-motivation and dependability
- Ability to operate small Dobsonian and computerized telescopes at stargazing events
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Fluent or comfortable speaking in Spanish
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements 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.
- Ability to climb stairs and work at 6,800 feet altitude if performing work on Kitt Peak.
About the Teen Astronomy Café
Visit https://noirlab.edu/public/products/educational-programs/eduprog001/ to learn more.
About Globe at Night
Visit https://noirlab.edu/public/products/educational-programs/eduprog020/ to learn more.
About Tohono O’odham Engagement
Visit https://noirlab.edu/public/products/educational-programs/eduprog029/ to learn more.
Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O’odham reservation.
Please 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 employment@aura-astronomy.org.
The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by September 30th, 2022.
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.
