Program Engagement Specialist, IS-1701-09

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

MAJOR DUTIES

• Logistics & Technical Setup: Unbox and calibrate Celestron NexStar 6SE telescopes at a variety of K-12 school sites across Arizona. Ensure all hardware and software components are operational for classroom use. On occasion transport telescope kit to school sites.
• Teacher Training: Conduct hands-on workshops for educators, training them on telescope alignment, GoTo menu navigation, and the integration of Smithsonian astronomy instructional material into their classrooms.
• Daytime Engagement: Lead in-classroom lessons and facilitate safe solar observing (using appropriate filtration) and daytime lunar observations for students.
• Evening Star Parties: Organize and host community "Star Parties," providing expert-level guided tours of the night sky for students, parents, and community members.
• Programmatic Outreach: Serve as the primary liaison between Arizona schools and the STARS program, ensuring the participating teachers and schools are well supported to sustain the program.
• Fleet & Gear Management: Responsible for the routine care of the assigned GSA vehicle and all astronomical equipment for events.
• Reporting: Maintain records of school visits, participant demographics, and equipment status; prepare post-event reports and assessments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience with telescope operation.
• Proven track record of working with K-12 students and teachers in a classroom or informal education setting (e.g., museums, parks, or camps).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record to operate a GSA vehicle.
• Must be able to pass a Smithsonian Institution (SI) background check and obtain an Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Deep knowledge of observational astronomy and the ability to communicate complex concepts to a general audience.
• Ability to work independently while "on the road" and manage a demanding travel schedule.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with school administrators, teachers and STARS team members.
• Collaborative mindset with strong ability to work effectively with people from various communities.

• Experience working with K-12 education systems.
• Specific familiarity with the Celestron NexStar 6SE or similar Schmidt-Cassegrain systems is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with communities of practice, professional learning networks, or educator support groups.