Education Specialist in Socorro, New Mexico at National Radio Astronomy Observatory

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Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting for a full-time Education Specialist on the STEAM Education team within the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) division at our offices in Socorro, New Mexico. The Education Specialist will assist in designing, creating, implementing, and executing formal and informal education programs for K-12 students and teachers, and other K-12 focused STEM groups. Subject matter will include a broad range of subjects related to radio astronomy, to be presented online and/or in person. The Education Specialist will also work with and support the greater EPO team efforts.

The STEAM Education team is split between NRAO’s Charlottesville, Virginia, Green Bank, West Virginia, and Socorro, New Mexico locations and is led by the Education Program Manager. The Supervisory Education Specialist and this Education Specialist are based in New Mexico, along with two part-time tour guides. An initial remote work arrangement may be possible, but the successful candidate’s duty station will be Socorro, New Mexico by the start of the 2027 calendar year.

The Education Specialist

Leads the formal and informal education and visitor center programs conducted in New Mexico and throughout the Observatory. Manages the establishment of education goals and strategies and implements tactics to achieve with the Observatory EPO mission and vision and strategic education goals. Collaborates with EPO staff and others to fund new initiatives and assess the effectiveness of the Observatory wide formal and informal education program

What You Will be Doing:

Reporting to the Supervisory Education Specialist, and working with the Education Program Manager, the ideal candidate for this position will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing formal education, informal education, and professional development programs related to astronomy, radio astronomy and the NRAO for K-12 teachers and students
• Identifying K-12 STEM/STEAM stakeholders and organizations at the city- (Socorro) and state- (New Mexico) levels and working to establish ongoing relationships, understanding their needs, and proposing how NRAO EPO/STEAM Ed can be of support.
• Planning and coordinating EPO Events such as Open Houses, Science Fairs, and exhibition booths with hands-on activities at local and state STEM events (when applicable).
• Working with EPO Public Information Group and actively contributing to EPO short and long-term planning, program development, and reporting.
• Compiling evaluation metrics and feedback to measure impact.
• Delivering programs and presentations for the students, educators, and the public.
• Answering queries from students.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an educational, research, or development environment. Often works at high altitudes. Occasional domestic travel is required. Requires occasional evening, weekend, and outdoor events. Must be able to work a varied flexible work schedule.

Who You Are:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physical science, education, or a related field is required. Enthusiasm for astronomy education is required.

Experience

• One year of classroom teaching experience (middle or high school) in physics, astronomy, or related subjects.
• Experiences facilitating research experiences in the classroom (posing a research question, collection of data, data analysis and reporting on results) with actual data sets preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong ability to work in a collaborative team-based environment with both remote and non-remote colleagues.
• Proactive self-starter who is comfortable operating with some autonomy while maintaining the ability to drive a shared vision, mission, goals and objectives;
• Flexible and adaptable, with the proven ability to maintain successful outcomes in changing environments.
• Willingness to travel, if necessary.
• Working knowledge of social media, multimedia applications, and office software such as MS Office. Experience with organization/productivity tools such as Trello, Slack, and Google Drive preferred.
• Active learner with a desire to learn and grow through this opportunity
• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, and SharePoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people and personality types.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking; and the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively with scientists, the public, educators, students, senior managers, and the media

Additional Requirement

• The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check which includes both credit history and criminal, as a condition of employment.
• Must have a driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary of this position is between $52,000 and $61,000. Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20