Education and Public Outreach Assistant - Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy - Hilo, HI

The Gemini Observatory is a partnership of six countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and the United States. Forefront astronomical research is carried out with 8-m optical/infrared telescopes in Hawaii and Chile (see www.gemini.edu ).

Gemini North, Hilo, Hawaii, has one opening for MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS AND LOCAL OUTREACH ASSISTANT. This position is for a fixed three-year term.

Gemini offers an attractive, competitive salary and benefit package as well as an excellent work environment. Hilo is a town with a very diverse population of approx. 43,000 people, a tropical climate, and a substantial international astronomical community supporting the observatories on Maunakea.

General Description of Position:

To provide external communications support and assist in fulfilling the Public Information and Outreach needs of the Gemini Observatory at the Northern Operations Center in Hilo, Hawai‘i with a specific focus on traditional/new media communications and local (Hawai’i) outreach.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in soliciting, writing, editing and coordinating social media postings;

• Maintain media contact listings and ongoing communications with traditional and new media;

• Engage in the implementation of local outreach programming, summit tours (Kama’aina Observatory Experiences) and other community events;

• Work closely with other Maunakea Observatories in local outreach activities and events;

• Support crisis communications efforts, especially related to Maunakea/TMT conflict;

• Assist in press release and web feature development and dissemination;

• Provide editorial review and proofing of observatory written communications, including, but not limited to: GeminiFocus, e-media, blog and social media content and other user communications;

• Ability to work routinely at summit area of Maunakea, including driving observatory vehicles, and overseeing the safety of group tours;

• Ability and availability to travel internationally to support conferences and meetings, and other events relevant to the position;

• Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• High School Diploma, minimum four year BS or BA degree in STEM related field or communication.

• Familiarity with modern astronomical research, instrumentation, and operations; and demonstrated ability to explain these concepts to the public.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Internet Use

• Excellent communication skills – written and oral

• Organizational skills

• Proactive, Team player

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) walk, reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines required.

• Ability to read, write and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job.

• Sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses

• Sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid

• Ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

• Ability to sit for long periods of time

• Ability to operate company vehicles to/from various designated sites

• Ability to work at 14,000’ for up to an 8 hour shift. Longer shifts and working during inclement weather occasionally required. Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed if medically necessary).