OPENING DATE: June 1, 2026 CLOSING DATE: June 30, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: IS-1701-09 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), not to exceed June 15th, 2027, with the possibility of extension of an additional year. DIVISION: Director's Office LOCATION: Amado, AZ AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates. SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
While this position is classified as remote, the incumbent must reside in Arizona due to frequent travel required to support ongoing school visits and program engagement activities. Salary will be based on the locality where the selected applicant resides. Multiple vacancies may be filled through this posting.
What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts.
Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter
Benefits
, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required. Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer. The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.
S. is not required to apply. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility
Requirements
within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA).
The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.
Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. The STARS program, an initiative of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Center for Astrophysics, delivers telescopes, hands-on STEM curricula, and professional development to rural and tribal schools across the U.
S. By bridging gaps in science education, STARS empowers students and teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to explore the universe and develop critical thinking skills. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists through experiential learning opportunities.
The program is launching in Arizona and will expand across the country as time and funding allows. Summary: The purpose of this position is to deliver essential components of the STARS program to schools, including on site technical set up, teacher professional development, student classroom, day ob
