Public Program Facilitator, McDonald Observatory Visitors Center

About the role

This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas at Austin. Public Program Facilitators deliver content for programs including guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, special viewing, workshops, and livestream programs. Facilitators lead in-person evening and daytime programs for groups of 10-500 visitors and on-camera livestream programs for thousands of viewers. Program Facilitators also assist with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.

Responsibilities

• Counsels and assists with implementing programs for public and private groups, both in person and online.
• Provides customer service and educational information to Observatory visitors and assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.
• Assists with routine maintenance of telescope equipment, domes, and galleries.
• Assists with maintaining exhibits in the Visitors Center.
• Participates in a cross-functional team and works cooperatively with other staff members to complete tasks and projects.
• Greets and assists visitors.
• Assists with responding to reservation questions.
• Assists with the Gift Shop when needed.
• Performs janitorial and other related duties as needed.

Requirements

• Sixty undergraduate semester hours.
• Two years of experience in public speaking, conducting public activities, or in formal or informal teaching.
• Computer skills including word processing, email, presentations, and internet use.
• Ability to work as a team member, independently, and on overlapping projects.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of STEM education outreach experience.
• Experience working in a museum, nature preserve, or similar facility.
• Interest in amateur astronomy, knowledge of the night sky, and the ability to identify major constellations.
• Two or more years of experience with amateur or professional telescopes.
• Experience and/or comfort with appearing on camera and co-hosting livestreams for public and K-12 audiences.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Decision-making and critical thinking.
• Effective communication.
• Initiative.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Service excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%).
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan).
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.

Pay

$36,000 + depending on qualifications

Schedule

The Visitors Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary and include weekends, evenings, and some holidays. Occasional overnight travel for outreach events and conferences.