Public Program Telescope Operator
Company: Lowell Obervatory
Location: Flagstaff
Posted on: May 27, 2023
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Job Description:
POSITION ANNOUNCMENT
PUBLIC PROGRAM TELESCOPE OPERATOR
Lowell Observatory's Public Program department welcomes over
100,000 visitors per year. We seek several extraordinary
communicators to join our ranks as a Public Program Telescope
Operators. Our visitors expect exceptional historic tours and
telescope viewing experiences. The Public Program Telescope
Operator fills that role by showing visitors around the night sky
using a variety of telescopes and visual aids, communicating to
audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Operators report to Public
Program Supervisors.
Named an "Arizona Top Company to Work For" Lowell Observatory (LO)
is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894
by Boston mathematician Percival Lowell. We are located atop a mesa
overlooking downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, where we are steadily
growing and carrying out our dual mission of astronomical research
and communication of our discoveries to the public. We are a
dynamic place where we inspire incredible people to do remarkable
work.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Program Telescope Operators will:
--- Enthusiastically engage and interact with visitors from around
the world.
--- Be able to answer questions about astronomy and objects in the
night sky.
--- Operate and engage visitors with a variety of public telescopes
primarily at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. As needed and as
possible they may assist at the Dyer and Clark telescopes.
--- Check email, website, internal calendar, Deputy, and other
relevant resources daily in order to have complete understanding of
public program-related activities going on at Lowell
Observatory.
--- Understand the benefits of a membership to Lowell Observatory;
make visitors aware of the membership programs.
--- Stay current with astronomy-related news and events.
--- Participate in regularly scheduled Observatory-wide and public
program departmental staff meetings.
--- Provide interpretation, security and maintenance in the exhibit
areas.
--- Maintain working knowledge of Lowell's safety protocols and
emergency procedures.
--- Perform other duties as assigned.
Public Program Telescope Operators may learn and be asked to:
--- Lead outdoor stargazing programs, safely use a laser
pointer.
--- Assist in staffing the Pluto dome and the Rotunda.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
--- Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills
--- Must be outgoing, personable, energetic, and enthusiastic
--- Weekend and evening hours required
--- Ability to effectively manage large groups of diverse
people
--- Must be punctual, articulate, and present a professional image
to the general public
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
College degree or enrolment in a current program of study in
astronomy or other STEM discipline is preferred, or demonstrable
equivalent prior experience. Prior experience using astronomical
telescopes and speaking to groups in formal and/or informal
settings will be considered a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending,
stretching, reaching, climbing, and lifting (under 40 lbs). Moving
throughout the campus, on sometimes uneven terrain, sometimes in
low light. Most of the time for this position is spent outside. You
should expect working outside in summer heat and winter
temperatures that frequently drop below freezing.
Interaction with the public is required.
TRAINING/PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Training on the telescopes will take place within the first month
and is probationary pending satisfactory completion of training. LO
reserves the right to extend the probationary period at its sole
discretion. This is a seasonal position, expected to run through
the end of September.
Status: Part Time Hourly. Temporary through September 2023
Hours: Part-time, 16-29 hours per week.
Compensation: $18
Benefit Eligible: Limited Part Time Benefits*
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: Lowell Observatory's Mars Hill Campus - Flagstaff, AZ
To Apply: Please send the following documents to
jobs@lowell.edu
--- Standard Application (www.lowell.edu/careers)
--- Resume
--- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
--- Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references
Applications are reviewed weekly. Position is open until
filled.
*Part Time employees will receive sick time accrual according to AZ
state law. After 6 months of employment, part time employees are
eligible to participate in a 5% match if they contribute 5% or more
to their retirement plan, as well as 2 paid personal days per
year.
Employment is subject to passing a background check
Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace
and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal
employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry,
religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age,
citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran
status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be,
committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all
backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to
bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.
Lowell Observatory sits at the base of mountains sacred to tribes
throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future
generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever
call this place home.
Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable
accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and
employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking
campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft/2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles
south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft/2370m. If you need a
reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring
process, please notify the Human Resources office for
assistance.
Version May 2023/HR
Keywords: Lowell Obervatory, Flagstaff , Public Program Telescope Operator, Other , Flagstaff, Arizona
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