Subaru Public Outreach Specialist – ID# 221018

SUBARU PUBLIC OUTREACH SPECIALIST – ID# 221018. 

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.  Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Subaru Telescope Project, located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $4,051/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Coordinates outreach efforts, including facility visits and conducting presentations. Writes formal letters to local community organizations, schools, State agencies, and other groups to take part in their events. Coaches and mentors staff on conducting effective presentations. Creates and maintains networks with local communities and outreach members from other observatories on Mauna Kea. Increases the visibility of Subaru Telescope by coordinating the staff presentations including his/her own presentations targeted to the local and the international community, covering discoveries from the Subaru Telescope and the activities there. Increases the visibility of the Subaru Telescope by creating image materials for outreach and public communications and takes lead in outreach activities (including remote ones) by planning and participating in events as well as carrying out preparations. Arranges outreach events at Subaru Telescope as well as in the vicinity and conducts remote presentations. Holds and assists with facility tours, updates the exhibits at Subaru Telescope, and develops effective information materials for the general public. Coaches and mentors the Subaru Telescope staff on giving effective presentations. Creates weekly reports of accomplishments and progress for supervisor. Proposes or participates in at least two (2) outreach activities, including remote ones, each month for local residents, schools and other local community members to increase awareness of the observatory’s public relations activities. Takes charge of Subaru’s website, releases, other publications for the public, and responds to the media and inquiries from the general public. Provides shuttle services according to a provided schedule. Drives visiting guests, scientists, and technicians between the Hilo Office and the facilities at Hale Pohaku, or other locations, as needed. Works irregular hours which include nights, weekends, and holidays. Will frequently travel between Hilo and the Summit both during the day and night. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  PhD from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or closely related field.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of work as a professional in one of the following categories or in a closely related field: education or exhibition design, teaching science or a related subject at grade schools or institutions of higher education, or outreach at research or educational institutions.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Basic knowledge of the conditions and awareness and understanding of the cultural and environmental sensitivity of the telescope site on Mauna Kea. Basic understanding of how a telescope works. Strong knowledge of effective science communication. Knowledge of interpretive presentations and practical ways of effective communication using conventional and contemporary tools. Proficient in transforming complex ideas of modern science into accessible, comprehensible terms for general audiences. Knowledge of general safety practices. Working knowledge of social media, information technology (IT), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents, personal computers, and basic operation systems including Excel, Word, and Power Point. Ability to create visually appealing presentations and exhibit materials appropriate for the general public or school-age students. Ability to coach staff on conducting effective presentations. Ability to work with a diverse community (e.g., scientists, engineers, technicians, administrative staff), members of the general public (e.g., school-age students, adults, community leaders), and professionals in education, media, and academia. Ability to use teleconference applications to conduct remote meetings. Ability to write formal letters. Ability to communicate clearly in English to the local community. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Post Offer/Employment Condition:  Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within six (6) months from date of hire. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).  

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  Fluent in Japanese, both in writing and speaking. Ability to translate articles from English to Japanese and vice-versa. Teaching certificate in Hawai‘i, other U.S. state, or in Japan. Specialized experience in astronomy outreach or experience as a curator in a science museum. Licensed museum specialist. Specialized experience in astronomy outreach. Experience teaching science communication, astronomy, physics, planetary science, optical engineering, or other related field at the college level. Ability to create high quality visual presentation materials (e.g., images, photos, videos, etc.). 

INQUIRIES:  Masayo Nakajima 935-5058 (Hawai‘i).    

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. 

CLOSING DATE:  February 15, 2021. 

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.