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Job Summary

CLOSING DATE: July 30, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).

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.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,000 - $5,000/Mon.

DUTIES: Creates and maintains strong networks with local communities including media and outreach members from other observatories on Maunakea. Creates and submits articles to the local media covering discoveries and its activities to increase the visibility of the Subaru Telescope. Creates image materials for outreach and public communications and takes the lead in outreach activities (including remote ones) by planning and participating in events as well as carrying out preparations. Arranges outreach events at various sites and conducts remote presentations. Conducts and assists with facility tours, at the base and summit facilities, updates Subaru Telescope exhibits, and develops effective information materials for the local and general public. Coordinates staff presentations including the individual’s presentations targeted to the local community. Coaches and mentors staff on giving effective presentations. Engages in discussions and brainstorming sessions with other outreach staff about implementing Community-Based Astronomy and enhancing Subaru's visibility and contribution to STEM education in the local community. Takes charge of Subaru's website, releases, other publications for the public, and responds to the media and inquiries from the local and general public. Works irregular hours which include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Drives Subaru Telescope’s official vehicles between Hilo and the Summit facilities, both during the day and night, and transports visiting guests, scientists, and technicians between the Hilo Office and the facilities at Halepohaku or other locations, as needed.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Astronomy, Physics, Hawaiian studies or a closely related field. (Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Hawaiian studies or a closely related field and an additional two (2) years of experience, or a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and an additional four (4) years of work and leadership experience, where knowledge of astronomy and Hawaiian culture were an integral part of the core duties of the position, may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree. A successful candidate of this criteria must be able to verifiably demonstrate a history of meaningful impact in bridging astronomy or a related science with Hawaiian cultural values and show the ability to build a strong network for the benefit of the community.).
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.
KNOWLEDGE: Deep knowledge of Astronomy, Hawaiian culture or closely related field. Basic knowledge of the conditions and awareness and understanding of the cultural and environmental sensitivity of the telescope site on Maunakea. Basic understanding of how a telescope works. 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.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to create visually appealing presentations and exhibit materials appropriate for the general public or school-age students in Hawai‘i local communities. 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, leaders of Hawai‘i local communities), and professionals in education and media. 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 DEMANDS: Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. 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:
Teaching certificate in Hawai'i or other U.S. states. Ability to create high quality visual presentation materials (e.g., images, photos, videos, etc.).

INQUIRIES: Noriko Otsuki 808-934-5003 (Hawai'i).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional 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 rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.

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

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.