General Office Assistant I

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: General Office Assistant I Location: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801, USA Requisition Number: 259 Job Family: Administrative Support Pay Type: Hourly Required Education: CLR Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the‑art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. The NRAO is are seeking a General Office Assistant/Receptionist. This position is based in Socorro, New Mexico at the Domenici Science Operations Center. The NRAO Science Operations Center is located in NM, on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ( With a high level of professionalism, the Receptionist will perform a variety of administrative and clerical assignments, frequently handling confidential information. This position creates a positive first and last impression for the organization and is key for monitoring our visitors. What You Will be Doing: Greeting and monitoring visitor access Maintaining office security by following safety procedures and controlling building access via the reception desk (monitor visitor access log, issue visitor badges, etc.) Prepare visitor packets, issue room keys, and collect payment from visitors who stay at the NRAO Guest House. Answering, handling, and directing incoming calls accordingly Responding to visitor inquiries in a polite and timely manner Serving as primary administrator for the Meeting Planner system, assists or schedule meetings and conferences including the posting of daily meeting schedules at conference rooms. Overseeing the NRAO Guest House reservations, collect payment, update occupant spreadsheet, and submit NM Tech Work Orders as needed. Prepare Pay Order and Petty Cash Assist with staff vehicle registration log & issuing company vehicle keys, as needed. Coordinating facility use for non-NRAO organizations and assisting with meeting set‑up and break‑down Preparation of correspondence, reports, and the NRAO‑NM phone list & NRAO Directory updates for NM staff Maintenance of the NM staff picture display & office supply cabinets In compliance with the Fiscal Division policies will be responsible for the petty cash fund, prepare, issue, and send out receipts, bills, policies, invoices, statements, and checks as needed Assisting with various clerical duties such as typing, filing and photocopying, etc., Routing & distributing incoming mail; preparing outgoing mail as needed, maintain staff mailboxes Update video displays in lobby each work day morning. Pro‑active compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected Other duties as assigned Work Environment Work is typically performed in an open office environment but may occasionally be required to be outdoors. Must be able to sit at a desk, use a personal computer and other standard office equipment; the ability to climb stairs is required Who You Are: Education Minimum of High school diploma or GED Skills and Competencies The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent customer service skills, and feel comfortable interacting with the general public, groups, and individuals of all professional levels. Ability to maintain accurate records. Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, various office equipment, and administrative techniques; thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of personal computers, including word processing and spreadsheet software. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction; ability to organize and perform work independently in the absence of specific instructions. Additional Requirement Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H‑1B Visas for this position. Total Rewards: Compensation Minimum starting compensation is $15.00 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits: Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides: Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days) Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution. Click Total Rewards for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. PM20 Compensation details: 15-15 Hourly Wage #J-18808-Ljbffr National Radio Astronomy Observatory