ABOUT WESTERN

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

ABOUT US

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s team of faculty, staff, researchers, and program students has over 200 members, all passionate about understanding the fundamental laws that govern the Universe and all that it contains. In our state-of-the-art research facilities on campus and around the world, we make discoveries and share our knowledge with a diverse academic and research community. We aspire to be an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and decolonized environment where all members are valued and respected. If you are inspired to join our community, we look forward to hearing from you.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Required: University degree in a science field (astronomy or planetary science is preferred)

Experience:

• Prior outreach experience for science programs targeted for kids and the general public is desirable
• Prior experience with astronomical observations and operating a telescope is desirable

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Good general knowledge of astronomy and planetary science, including basic knowledge of the night sky
• Excellent science communication skills to deliver engaging and informative presentations and activities appropriate to the target audiences using appropriate communication channels
• Ability to apply creativity, innovation and resourcefulness to daily work and development of new activities
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Management of an online presence, including web site development/updates and social media channels
• Ability to summarize information and disseminate to others effectively in a timely manner
• Ability to creatively adapt traditional methods, concepts, models or systems to new applications
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills to prioritize and consistently produce high-quality work
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Prof. Cami, the Outreach Assistant(s) will be responsible for the development, preparation, promotion, delivery and evaluation of outreach events and activities at the Cronyn Observatory. The incumbent(s) will work with the supervisor to prioritize development activities and event scheduling.

Your duties and responsibilities may also include:

• Instruction, lecturing or supervision at outreach events
• Preparation of materials or set-up of required displays or apparatus for science tutorials or demonstrations
• Reviewing astronomy materials/content
• Developing and conducting/supervising science outreach programs
• Operating Telescopes
• Conduct literature reviews, surveys and other research for use in Science Communication in in-person and online events and on social media
• Organize reference materials, visual aids, presentations, posters, and other materials as required by the supervisor
• Employer required training (e.g. WHMIS and other necessary health and safety training; Safe Campus Community training; AODA training)
• Employer required meetings (e.g. meetings with the supervisor and outreach team)
• Reading and corresponding electronically with participants relevant to the outreach program (e.g. email and social media) and
• Other outreach-related duties