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Volunteer Astronomer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NOAO

Kitt Peak Visitor Center Evening Guide

Tucson, AZ · On-site

A substantial knowledge of observational astronomy, a strong familiarity with the night sky, and ... Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and ...

AURA

Kitt Peak Visitor Center Evening Guide

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.97/hr

A substantial knowledge of observational astronomy, a strong familiarity with the night sky, and ... Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and ...

Rutgers University

Postdoctoral Associate

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$63K/yr

Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred ... D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely ...

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How much do volunteer astronomer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer astronomer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Astronomer vs Amateur Astronomer?

AspectVolunteer AstronomerAmateur Astronomer
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may have astronomy training or degreesNo formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, observatories, educational eventsPersonal observatories, clubs, public outreach events
Employer/IndustryResearch institutions, planetariums, educational organizationsHobbyist groups, astronomy clubs, individual projects

Volunteer Astronomers typically work with organizations on research or educational projects, often requiring some background in astronomy. Amateur Astronomers pursue astronomy as a hobby, focusing on personal observation and community activities. While both share a passion for astronomy, Volunteer Astronomers usually engage in more structured, organization-based activities, whereas Amateur Astronomers enjoy flexible, self-directed exploration.

How do you become a volunteer astronomer?

To become a volunteer astronomer, individuals typically need a strong interest in astronomy, basic knowledge of celestial objects, and sometimes relevant skills such as data analysis or telescope operation. Many organizations offer training or orientation sessions, and volunteers often participate in activities like public outreach, data collection, or assisting with observations, often requiring a background check or commitment to scheduled events.

What jobs can I get as a volunteer astronomer?

Volunteer astronomers often take on roles such as assisting with public outreach, conducting educational programs, helping with telescope operations, and supporting research projects at observatories or science centers. These positions typically require knowledge of astronomy, good communication skills, and sometimes training in telescope use or data collection.
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The most popular types of Astronomer jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Astronomer jobs?

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Volunteer Astronomer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Astronomer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Tenured Faculty Position in Astrophysics

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Rutgers University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Tenured Faculty Position in Astrophysics Department SAS - Physics & Astronomy Salary Details Salary Minimum $87,000 Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discounts programs
 
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Posting Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick invites applications for a faculty member at the level of tenured Associate Professor or above. We are seeking an astrophysicist with outstanding accomplishments and excellent future promise in a research area that either contacts with current faculty research or expands into a new area such as exoplanets, gravitational waves, or astronomical instrumentation.
Currently, Rutgers has a 10% share in the Southern African Large Telescope, and Rutgers astronomers participate in collaborations including Advanced ACTPol, HETDEX, Rubin Observatory LSST, and the Simons Observatory, as well as large projects with the Chandra X-ray Observatory, HST, JWST, MeerKAT, and planning for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Active research covers a broad range of observational and theoretical work in cosmology, dark matter, gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, galaxy formation and evolution, star formation, astrophysical turbulence, and supernovae and their remnants.
The Physics and Astronomy Department is located in Piscataway, NJ as part of the flagship campus of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The campus is just 45 minutes from New York City, and the area features several leading astrophysics departments and institutes, facilitating rich knowledge exchange and collaborations. New Jersey is a demographically diverse state, and our student body reflects the state's demographics. We are especially interested in candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in an academic setting and who can support the Department's diversity and excellence.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field, and an outstanding record of research. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an independent research program, attract external funding, teach courses in astrophysics, and mentor Rutgers' diverse undergraduate and graduate students. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publication list, 3-4 page statement of research accomplishments and plans, 2-3 page statement of teaching and mentoring accomplishments and plans indicating how the candidate would engage a diverse student population. The applicant should arrange to have three recommendation letters submitted by the letter writers through the application portal. All materials should be submitted online via https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/250796. Review of applications will begin in May 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the search committee, chaired by Prof. Eric Gawiser, at gawiser@physics.rutgers.edu ,or to any of the Rutgers astrophysics faculty.
Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA0516 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent to a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field, and an outstanding record of research.
Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link to Posting https://rutgers-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/250796 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick City Piscataway State NJ Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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