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Evening Telescope Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$15/hr

Theselected candidates will be part of a team that leads evening telescope observing or planetarium programs that are part of a course assignment for introductory astronomy courses, including grading ...

AURA

Kitt Peak Visitor Center Evening Guide

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.97/hr

In this role, the KPVC Evening Guide is the public face of the NOIRLab and KPNO to our evening ... Uses a PC to accurately point the telescope and track astronomical objects. * Provide excellent ...

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Evening Telescope information

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$54K

$126.8K

$158K

How much do evening telescope jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for evening telescope in the United States is $126,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an evening telescope operator?

Evening telescope operators are individuals responsible for setting up, maintaining, and operating telescopes during nighttime or evening hours, often at observatories, planetariums, or research facilities. Their duties may include aligning telescopes, monitoring astronomical events, assisting visitors or researchers, and ensuring the equipment functions properly for observations. They play a crucial role in supporting both scientific research and public outreach by providing access to celestial views during optimal nighttime conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by evening telescope operators, and how can they be addressed?

Evening Telescope Operators often face challenges such as working in low-light conditions, managing equipment malfunctions, and adapting to changing weather that can affect observations. Successful operators develop strong troubleshooting skills, maintain detailed logs of instrument performance, and stay updated on safety protocols for nighttime work. Collaboration with astronomers and technical staff is important to ensure accurate data collection and resolve issues quickly. Building experience with different telescope systems and staying organized helps operators thrive in this unique, rewarding role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an evening telescope operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Evening Telescope Operator, you need a solid background in astronomy, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or technical training. Familiarity with computerized telescopes, imaging software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing observations and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure precise data collection, efficient troubleshooting, and clear reporting, all critical for successful astronomical research or public outreach.

What is the difference between Evening Telescope vs Night Telescope Technician?

AspectEvening TelescopeNight Telescope Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic astronomy knowledgeHigh school diploma; technical training in telescope maintenance
Work EnvironmentObservatories, planetariums, outdoor settings during evening hoursObservatories, research facilities, outdoor and indoor during night shifts
Industry UsagePublic outreach, amateur astronomy, educational programsProfessional research, equipment maintenance, technical support

The Evening Telescope typically involves assisting with public viewing sessions and basic telescope operation during evening hours, often in educational or outreach settings. Night Telescope Technicians focus more on maintaining, repairing, and calibrating telescopes in professional research environments. While both roles require knowledge of telescopes and work during evening or night hours, the technician role usually demands more technical training and responsibilities related to equipment upkeep.

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Cities with the most Evening Telescope job openings:

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The most popular types of Telescope jobs are:

What states have the most Evening Telescope jobs?

States with the most job openings for Evening Telescope jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Evening Telescope jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Evening Telescope jobs are:

Evening Telescope jobs near you
Infographic showing various Evening Telescope job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,844 per year, or $61 per hour.

Part-Time Telescope Assistant - Astronomy Department

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is seeking applicants for the part-time job of Telescope Assistant.

Theselected candidates will be part of a team that leads evening telescope observing or planetarium programs that are part of a course assignment for introductory astronomy courses, including grading the submitted work and recording grades in Canvas. The activity runs for 10 or more weeks during the semester each Monday-Thursday evening starting at 8:30 pm, until every student has completed their work (usually by 10 pm).

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

  • Proficiency in pointing and making observations with Schmidt-Cassegrain and Dobsonian telescopes

  • Proficiency with conducting night sky tours with a full-dome planetarium system

  • Available for 5-10 hours per week on several evenings is necessary

Schedule:

  • Expected hours will be approximately 5-10 hours/week.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $15/hour.

The selected candidate will report to Dr. Chris Palma. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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