Astronomy Tour Guide (Public Program Educator)

To Apply: Please visit https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/ for a complete job description and instructions to apply.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PUBLIC PROGRAM EDUCATOR

Full-time and part-time positions available

Lowell Observatory’s Public Program department welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually. We seek several extraordinary communicators to join our ranks as a Public Program Educator. The Public Program Educator contributes to the Lowell visitor’s overall experience by providing them with exceptional educational programming, historic tours, and telescope viewing experiences. The Public Program Educator reports to a Public Program Supervisor and works closely with the other Public Program Educators.

The list of qualifications/experience/education is a wish list not a checklist. We encourage anyone with an interest and a passion for astronomy, science, teaching, or history to apply even if they do not meet all of items on the list. Our training program is all encompassing to ensure your success in this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Enthusiastically engage and interact with visitors from around the world

Be able to answer questions about astronomy, the Observatory, its history and ongoing research areas, as well as other areas of interest in Northern Arizona

Lead tours throughout the Lowell Observatory campus; conveying information on the history and the current and future direction of our mission

Deliver public lectures and science demonstrations

Engage visitors using a variety of public telescopes, and become proficient in their operation, including the GODO, Dyer and Clark telescopes

Lead outdoor stargazing programs; safely use a laser pointer

Fully understand the variety of public program-related activities by staying current through our internal communication and scheduling tools

Encourage visitors to become Lowell Observatory members; understand the benefits of membership

Stay current with astronomy-related news and events in order to convey accurate information to visitors

Participate in regularly scheduled public program staff meetings and one-on-ones.

Provide interpretation, and security, in the exhibit areas and assist in keeping Public Program facilities accessible and maintained.

Maintain working knowledge of Lowell’s safety protocols and emergency procedures

Provide support for general activities such as: driving the golf cart for guests, stepping in to facilitate unstaffed programming, coordinating special tours/programs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

● Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills; Must be outgoing, personable, energetic, and enthusiastic; Able to effectively manage large groups of diverse people

● Weekend and evening hours required

● Must be punctual, articulate, and present a professional image to the general public

● Experience using audio-visual equipment.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in astronomy or a related STEM field is preferred, including substantial college-level STEM course work. Demonstrable equivalent prior experience will also be considered. Extensive public speaking experience in formal or informal settings is preferred. Astronomy knowledge is a plus, but not required.

To Apply: Please visit https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/ for a complete job description and instructions to apply