National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Education Specialist (83)
Location: Green Bank Observatory, GREEN BANK, West Virginia, United States of America
Requisition Number: 83
Job Family: Education & Public Outreach
Pay Type: Salary
Required Education: ADM

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. In addition to its scientific work, the Observatory is committed to outreach and education. The Observatory offers a wide range of programs and resources for students, teachers, and the general public, including tours, lectures, and online resources.
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 location in Green Bank, West Virginia. 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 STEM Education team is split between NRAO’s Charlottesville, Virginia, Socorro, New Mexico, and Green bank, West Virginia locations. The Education Specialist and a Senior Education Specialist work in collaboration with the Manager for Public Outreach and other team members at the Green Bank Observatory. An initial remote work arrangement may be possible, but the successful candidate must be local to Green Bank, West Virginia around the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

COMPETENCY SUMMARY

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio 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.

REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check which includes both credit and criminal, as a condition of employment.
Must have a drivers license and access to reliable transportation.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods of time.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Education and Public Outreach, and working with the Senior Education Specialist and Manager, Public Outreach, 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 local- (Green Bank) and state- (West Virginia) 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 News and Multimedia Groups 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, educators, and the general public about the NRAO and astronomy.
• Others duties as assigned.