General Office Assistant I

Associated Universities • Socorro, NM

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed and operated by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is seeking a General Office Assistant/Receptionist for its Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro, New Mexico. The position performs administrative and clerical assignments, often involving confidential information, and helps create a positive impression for the organization while monitoring visitors and supporting building security.

The role provides reception and visitor services, meeting and Guest House administration, clerical and financial support, and assistance with facility operations. Work is typically performed in an open office environment, with occasional outdoor work. Employees must be authorized to work in the United States; the Observatory cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and customer service skills.
• Comfort interacting with the general public, groups, and individuals at all professional levels.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, 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 employees and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to organize and perform work independently in the absence of specific instructions.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and monitor visitor access, including maintaining the visitor log and issuing visitor badges.
• Follow safety and security procedures and control building access through the reception desk.
• Prepare visitor packets, issue Guest House room keys, and collect payments from Guest House visitors.
• Answer, handle, and direct incoming calls; respond politely and promptly to visitor inquiries.
• Administer the Meeting Planner system and assist with or schedule meetings and conferences, including posting daily schedules at conference rooms.
• Oversee NRAO Guest House reservations, collect payments, update the occupant spreadsheet, and submit New Mexico Tech work orders as needed.
• Prepare pay orders and petty cash, and administer the petty cash fund in accordance with Fiscal Division policies, including preparing and issuing receipts, bills, policies, invoices, statements, and checks as needed.
• Assist with staff vehicle registration and issue company vehicle keys as needed.
• Coordinate facility use for non-NRAO organizations and assist with meeting setup and breakdown.
• Prepare correspondence and reports, update the NRAO-NM phone list and NM staff entries in the NRAO Directory, and maintain the NM staff picture display and office supply cabinets.
• Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, photocopying, and routing and distributing incoming mail; prepare outgoing mail as needed and maintain staff mailboxes.
• Update lobby video displays each workday morning.
• Comply proactively with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in the work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including 13 holidays and annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Retirement benefit equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay, with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED