Salary: £1,917 - £2,500 per annum (£23,000 - £30,000 pro rata)
Closing Date: 21 November 2018
Interviews: 23 November 2018
Expected start date: 3 December 2018
We have recently installed a suite of modern instruments in the Altazimuth Pavilion at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, restoring our status as a working observatory on a limited basis for the first time in more than 60 years.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, outgoing and technologically capable individual with experience of using telescopes of varying designs including large (14' plus) telescopes and a background in astronomy photography (encompassing Solar System and Deep Sky), including image processing. The post holder must also have excellent communication skills, with experience of delivering public astronomy events to a range of audiences.
When conditions permit, this work will be primarily carried out from 18.15-21.15 on Tuesday evenings. However the post holder must have enormous flexibility on this front. As this is a new role, it will be reviewed at the end of the year to make changes as necessary. They must be willing to work into the small hours of the morning on different days to capture images of particular targets if required.
Reports to: Senior Manager for Public Astronomy
Responsibilities:
- Operate our suite of instruments carefully and safely, and supervise their use by the Astrographic Volunteers.
- Work with and direct the Astrographic Volunteers to take photographs of specific astronomical targets and process the resulting images.
- Deliver public facing activity in the Altazimuth Pavilion using our suite of instruments, including activity for paying visitors, members and patrons.
- Liaise with the Observatory Public Engagement Manager and other members of the team to discuss photographic targets and public facing activity.
- Work with the Visitor Experience and Security teams to ensure access to and from the park, site and building and activity runs smoothly.
Essential skills and experience:
- Excellent knowledge of observational astronomy.
- A passion for astronomy and space exploration, current and historic.
- Experience of using small and larger (14' plus) telescopes.
- Experience of astronomy photography, including image processing.
- Friendly and outgoing with excellent public speaking skills and the ability to simplify complex scientific and technical concepts into succinct explanations.
- Commitment to ensure health and safety requirements are met, equipment is protected and the expectations of visitors are delivered.
- Incredibly flexible in terms of when work hours are delivered, as is required for observational astronomy.
- Punctual, diligent and organised with excellent time-keeping skills.
- Calm in a crisis.
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of working with and/ or coordinating volunteers.
Terms and Conditions:
The post holder will work 3 hours a week, primarily working 18:15-21:15 on Tuesday evenings.
However the post holder must be incredibly flexible in terms of when work is delivered, both in terms of the day and the time.
This is particularly important from April-September inclusive. The post includes annual leave, which must be agreed at least one month in advance with their line manager.
Salary: £1,917-£2,500 per annum (£23,000-£30,000 pro rata)