Education Specialist

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Education Specialist Location: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801, USA Requisition Number: 274 Job Family: Education & Public Outreach Pay Type: Salary Required Education: ADM T 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