• Support the day-to-day operation of the Parkes Observatory Visitor Centre
• Varied customer service role
• Join CSIRO! Australia’s leading science and research organisation

The Visitor Discovery Centre is the public face of CSIRO’s Parkes Radio Telescope. Its primary goal is to provide a stimulating, entertaining and informative environment for the public and school students to learn about Australia’s role in radio astronomy and deep space exploration. The centre is designed to provide a high quality and informative display on radio astronomy, the history and role of the facility.

Staff play an important role apart from maintaining the day to day operations of the Visitor Centre and souvenir shop. They are there to provide face-to-face interaction with visitors and students, sharing knowledge and facilitating exploration of the centre. Casual staff support core team members in the day-to-day operation of the visitor centre.

The role:

• Sales/customer service in retail shop – operate register, handle money/credit cards.
• Answer enquiries from customers about products, maintain stock on shelves, ensure shop and shelves are tidy and clean, keep exhibits tidy and in working order and ensure toilets are regularly checked.
• Provide information to visitors, answer visitor queries and general public enquiries by phone. Monitor emails and direct enquiries to other team members as needed.
• Support group and school visits and group presentations as needed.
• Check for any hazards (slip, trip, fall) in both indoor and outdoor areas. Clear any obvious and easy to fix issues, report larger issues
• Attend staff meetings as required and report on projects and issues that require attention.

Location: Parkes, NSW
Salary: $29.98 plus super per hour (weekend penalty rates also apply)
Term: 1 year
Reference: 53345

Job requirements:

• High level interpersonal skills
• Experience in customer service, preferably within an information centre or retail environment
• Interest in science and its communication to the public
• The ability to work both independently and as a member of a cohesive team
• Availability to work on weekends and during school holiday periods

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues.

About CSIRO Telescope National Facility:  CSIRO, through its division of Astronomy and Space Science, operates the Parkes Observatory, just outside the central-west NSW town of Parkes, hosts the 64-metre Parkes radio telescope, one of the telescopes comprising CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility.

An icon of Australian science, the Parkes radio telescope has been in operation since 1961 and continues to be at the forefront of astronomical discovery thanks to regular upgrades. Astronomers from across Australia and around the world utilise the Parkes radio telescope to undertake world-class astronomical science. Affectionately known as ’the Dish’, the telescope operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

How to Apply:  If you wish to apply for this position, please upload 1 document only containing your covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements of the role.   

Before you apply please view the full position description and selection criteria here:  PD

Applications Close:  11:59pm AEDT, February11, 2018