Receptionist/General Office Assistant

National Radio Astronomy Observatory; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent paid time off

Medical, dental and vision plans from

Retirement benefit

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory is seeking a Receptionist/General Office Assistant to manage front desk operations, greet visitors, and support daily administrative tasks at NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of receptionist experience. You will handle calls, coordinating meetings and assisting with events, while following NRAO safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a receptionist or administrative capacity.

Responsibilities

• Staffing the front desk during business hours (8:30am-5pm, M-F).
• Greeting and monitoring visitors.
• Answering, handling, and directing incoming calls accordingly.
• Scheduling meetings and conferences via the Meeting Planner system.
• Assisting with clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, invoicing, and credit card reconciliation.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title: Receptionist/General Office Assistant

Location: NRAO Headquarters, 520 Edgemont Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America

Requisition Number: 267

Job Family: Administrative Support

Pay Type: Hourly

Required Education: CLR

Position Description:

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.

At NRAO we are seeking a Receptionist/General Office Assistant with a high level of professionalism to perform a variety of challenging 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.

This position will be based at our headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia located on the grounds of the University of Virginia.

Position Summary

What You Will be Doing:

• Staffing the front desk during business hours of operation (8:30am-5pm, M-F)
• Greeting and monitoring visitors
• Maintaining building security by following safety procedures and controlling building access via the reception desk (monitor visitor access log, issue visitor badges, etc.)
• Answering, handling, and directing incoming calls accordingly
• Responding to visitor inquiries in a polite and timely manner
• Scheduling meetings and conferences via the Meeting Planner system
• Assisting with internal meeting/event set‑up and break‑down as needed
• Managing the Observatory‑wide events calendar
• Overseeing the staff vehicle registration log
• Coordinating facility use for non‑NRAO (external) organizations
• Assisting with various clerical duties as needed (e.g., filing, photocopying, invoicing, credit card reconciliation)
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected
• Assisting with special projects as needed
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an open office environment but may occasionally be required to be outdoors.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically sits at a desk, uses a personal computer, telephone, photocopier, scanner, facsimile, and other standard office equipment.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• You have a minimum of one year of experience in a receptionist or administrative capacity.

Competency Summary

• Proficiency with personal computers including word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Provides excellent customer service and comfortable interacting with the general public, groups, and individuals of all professional levels
• Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, various office equipment and administrative techniques
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and communication skills and ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction
• Highly organized, takes initiative, and performs work independently in the absence of specific instructions
• Maintain accurate records
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Possesses a positive and professional attitude

Physical Requirements

Must be able to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time and work effectively in an environment given multiple tasks and competing priorities. Must be able to handle, bend, stoop, lift, and reach, in the maintenance of the office filing system.

May occasionally drive a vehicle, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee frequently is required to communicate in person, by electronic mail, and by telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

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

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $14.00-$21.00 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range 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 https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [e-mail]. PM20

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