Outreach Program Specialist, McDonald Observatory

Outreach Program Specialist, McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus). This position is located at McDonald Observatory, Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. The Visitors Center is open five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, and requires a variable work schedule to meet business needs.

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff. For more details, see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and .

• 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

This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas  outreach program specialist develops and delivers materials and content for public programs such as guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, special viewing, workshops, and livestream programs. The specialist conducts in-person evening and daytime programming for groups of 10-500 visitors and on-camera live streamed programs for thousands of viewers.

The specialist also assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.

• Conduct and assist with the implementation of public programs for learners of all ages at McDonald Observatory and through online platforms. Help coordinate, plan, and execute community activities, special projects, events, and programs both on and off-site. Provide excellent customer service and educational information to visitors and event participants. Ensure that participants are served, and that program outcomes are documented and communicated.
• Ensure proper maintenance of telescope, equipment, and exhibits. Assist in training staff on the proper operation of telescopes, domes, exhibit components, and related equipment. Follow established safety and proper use guidelines for telescopes and evaluate these guidelines as equipment or operations change. Assist in preparing and implementing Visitors Center safety procedures.
• Participate in a cross-functional team and collaborate with other staff members to complete tasks and projects. Assist with routine maintenance of telescope equipment, domes, and galleries. Help keep exhibits in the Visitors Center in good condition. Support the Gift Shop when needed. Perform janitorial duties and other related tasks as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public affairs, communication, or astronomy or a related field.
• Three years of experience in public affairs, museum public speaking, or working in formal or informal educational settings, and in preparation of informational materials.
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to work as a team member, independently, and with overlapping projects.
• Position competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.
• Competencies for the position include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making, critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and service excellence.

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Two or more years of STEM education outreach experience.
• Two or more years working with telescopes, domes, and related equipment.
• Experience working in a school, museum, nature preserve, or similar facility.
• Amateur astronomy interest and knowledge of the night sky and the ability to identify major…