Kitt Peak Visitor Center Evening Guide

About the role

The part-time seasonal position of KPVC Evening Guide supports evening program offerings including the Nightly Observing Program and conducts engaging, lively programs for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conducts engaging, lively Nightly Observing Programs with enthusiasm and scientific accuracy to diverse audiences.
• Operates telescopes and provides interesting interpretation of the viewed objects to guests.
• Uses a PC to accurately point the telescope and track astronomical objects.
• Provide excellent customer service to guests and project a professional image of the KPVC team.
• Reliably and punctually reports to all assigned shifts.
• Helps with telescope, program equipment, building and grounds cleaning and maintenance.
• Stay up to date with developments related to astronomy, and to the science done at KPNO and NOIRLab in general.
• Perform other safety and security functions during shifts at Kitt Peak, as required of all team members.

Requirements

• A substantial knowledge of observational astronomy, a strong familiarity with the night sky, and experience with a variety of observing techniques and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to translate abstract scientific concepts to a public audience.
• Strong public speaking, teaching, and interpretative skills.
• Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and staff.
• 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.
• Able to receive continual training, put training into practice, and accept ongoing constructive feedback from managers and colleagues.
• Ability to learn abstract and practical concepts in astronomy as well as use of common astronomical instruments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Ability to obtain CPR and AED certification provided by NOIRLab, and to complete any other required safety training.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt easily to new procedures or program format changes, deal effectively and tactfully with the public, fellow employees, managers, and volunteers; and respond professionally to unusual or unexpected situations.
• Organized, energetic, honest, and outgoing with a strong work ethic.
• Must enjoy working with varied audiences.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, per NOIRLab policy.

Qualifications

• Substantial knowledge of observational astronomy, a strong familiarity with the night sky, and experience with a variety of observing techniques and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to translate abstract scientific concepts to a public audience.
• Strong public speaking, teaching, and interpretative skills.
• Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and staff.
• 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.
• Able to receive continual training, put training into practice, and accept ongoing constructive feedback from managers and colleagues.
• Ability to learn abstract and practical concepts in astronomy as well as use of common astronomical instruments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Ability to obtain CPR and AED certification provided by NOIRLab, and to complete any other required safety training.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt easily to new procedures or program format changes, deal effectively and tactfully with the public, fellow employees, managers, and volunteers; and respond professionally to unusual or unexpected situations.
• Organized, energetic, honest, and outgoing with a strong work ethic.
• Must enjoy working with varied audiences.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, per NOIRLab policy.

Skills

• Substantial knowledge of observational astronomy, a strong familiarity with the night sky, and experience with a variety of observing techniques and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to translate abstract scientific concepts to a public audience.
• Strong public speaking, teaching, and interpretative skills.
• Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and staff.
• 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.
• Able to receive continual training, put training into practice, and accept ongoing constructive feedback from managers and colleagues.
• Ability to learn abstract and practical concepts in astronomy as well as use of common astronomical instruments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Ability to obtain CPR and AED certification provided by NOIRLab, and to complete any other required safety training.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt easily to new procedures or program format changes, deal effectively and tactfully with the public, fellow employees, managers, and volunteers; and respond professionally to unusual or unexpected situations.
• Organized, energetic, honest, and outgoing with a strong work ethic.
• Must enjoy working with varied audiences.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, per NOIRLab policy.

Benefits

The position 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/benefits-by-location/.

Pay

$17.97/hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Flexible schedule of shifts that routinely include both late afternoons and nights.