General Office Assistant I
About the role
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a General Office Assistant/Receptionist at the Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro, New Mexico. This position serves as the first and last point of contact for visitors and staff, performing a wide range of administrative and clerical duties while handling confidential information with professionalism. The role supports daily operations at a leading research facility engaged in cutting-edge radio astronomy.
Responsibilities
- Greet visitors and monitor building access; issue visitor badges and collect access logs
- Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling building access via the reception desk
- Prepare visitor packets, issue room keys, and collect payment from guests staying at the NRAO Guest House
- Answer, handle, and direct incoming calls appropriately
- Respond to visitor inquiries in a polite and timely manner
- Serve as primary administrator for the Meeting Planner system; assist with scheduling meetings and conferences, including posting daily meeting schedules at conference rooms
- Oversee NRAO Guest House reservations, collect payment, update occupant spreadsheets, and submit NM Tech Work Orders as needed
- Prepare Pay Order and Petty Cash forms
- Assist with staff vehicle registration log and issuing company vehicle keys as needed
- Coordinate facility use for non-NRAO organizations and assist with meeting setup and breakdown
- Prepare correspondence, reports, and maintain the NRAO-NM phone list and NM staff directory updates
- Maintain the NM staff picture display and office supply cabinets
- Administer the petty cash fund in compliance with Fiscal Division policies; prepare, issue, and distribute receipts, bills, policies, invoices, statements, and checks as required
- Perform general clerical duties including typing, filing, photocopying, routing and distributing incoming mail, and preparing outgoing mail; maintain staff mailboxes
- Update video displays in the lobby each morning
- Proactively comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in the work area
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Minimum of high school diploma or GED
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer service orientation with comfort interacting with diverse groups and individuals
- Ability to maintain accurate records
- Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, office equipment, and administrative techniques
- Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and personal computers, including word processing and spreadsheet software
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to organize and perform work independently in the absence of specific instructions
Work Environment
Work is typically performed in an open office environment but may occasionally require outdoor activity. The role requires the ability to sit at a desk, use a personal computer and standard office equipment, and climb stairs.
Additional Requirement
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.
Pay
Minimum starting compensation is $15.00 per hour. Factors that may affect starting pay include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
Benefits
- Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
- Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment
- Retirement benefit contributing an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution