Tour Guides

Position Description:

Position Summary

The Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the GBO is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. 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 GBO, we are seeking part-time Tour Guides to communicate the Observatory's mission to the public and provide assistance in creating, organizing, and conducting astronomy/science awareness programs for visitors to the observatory. This is a Safety Sensitive Position as noted below.

Tour guides must have a pleasant disposition, excellent communication skills, and patience and tact in working with the public. They must be comfortable with public speaking and be able to deliver presentations with a professional appearance. Demonstrated comfort with learning scientific material, experience interacting with the public, and enthusiasm for public education are key success factors in the performance of this role.

These positions will be based at the Green Bank Observatory and are initially for a 12-week period. Continuation may be possible depending on need and availability. 

What You Will be Doing:

• Leading guided tours, which includes giving auditorium presentations and driving tour buses.
• Creating a welcoming experience by greeting guests and providing excellent customer service.
• Assisting with school field trips and motor coach tours.
• Delivering informal docent programs to the public and youth groups.
• Monitoring exhibits and assisting with basic troubleshooting.
• Opening & closing the Science Center building and exhibit hall as scheduled.
• Assisting with cleaning and upkeep of buses and presentation and public spaces throughout the day.
• Assisting with stocking the gift shop and covering the register and front desk as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in a public facility within a research and development environment. This position also includes some time in the office and some time spent outdoors.

Who You Are:

• You have a High School diploma
• You are at least age 18 with a valid driver’s license
• You are comfortable with the physical demands required for prolonged periods of speaking, frequent standing, walking, climbing in and out of buses, driving a tour bus, operating a wheelchair lift, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• You have demonstrated public speaking skills

• While not required, you may have experience:
  • working with the public
  • taking high school or college level science or engineering courses.

Competency Summary

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Excellent communication skills

Additional Requirement

• Schedule flexibility required, including regular weekend availability

Safety Sensitive

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

Associated Universities, Inc. strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. 

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is $15.00 per hour.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20