K-12 Education Specialist, McDonald Observatory Visitors Center

University of Texas at Austin

10d • $42,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas. Develops and delivers materials and content for K12 programs such as Astronomy Field Trips, Distance Learning, Homeschool Days, and Teacher Professional Development Workshops. Conducts evening and daytime programming for visitors, such as guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, and livestream programs for public and private groups. Assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public affairs, communication, or astronomy or a related science.
• Three years of experience in teaching, public speaking, museum, or formal or informal education, and preparation of informational materials.
• Computer skills include 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.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of STEM education outreach experience.
• Two or more years experience as a classroom teacher.
• 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 constellations.
• Some experience with amateur/professional telescopes.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver K-12 education program content and materials, both virtually and in person. This includes helping with the development, scheduling, coordination, and delivery of Astronomy Field Trips, classroom visits, Distance Learning Programs, public livestreams, and Teacher Professional Development Workshops.
• Facilitate public programs at McDonald Observatory, community outreach events, and activities for learners of all ages.
• Provide excellent customer service and educational information to visitors of the Observatory and participants in community activities, special projects, events, and programs both on- and off-site. Ensure that participants are served, and program outcomes are documented and communicated.
• Participate in a cross-functional team and work cooperatively with other staff members to complete tasks and projects.
• Assist with routine maintenance of telescope equipment, domes, and galleries. Help maintain exhibits in the Visitors Center.
• Assist with the Gift Shop when needed.
• Perform janitorial duties and other related tasks as required.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees