Australia Telescope Compact Array Narrabri
Work Experience for Students

CSIRO/ATNF's Paul Wild Observatory at Narrabri, which operates the Australia Telescope Compact Array, provides a challenging work experience program for high school students in Years 10, 11 or 12. Students normally spend one week at the Narrabri Observatory, from Monday morning (08:00 am) until Friday afternoon (4:00 pm).

Work experience at the Observatory may include a range of activities in the areas of electronics, computing, astronomy and hospitality.

*** For 2011 only limited technical and administration work experience placements are available. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis and local regional placements may receive preference. Unfortunately astronomy vacancies are closed. ***

How to apply

The Paul Wild Observatory receives many requests from students around Australia. Students are selected on the merit of a written resume and telephone interview. If you would like to apply for work experience at the Paul Wild Observatory, you will need to:
  • send a well-written resume and details of the dates you would like to work (Monday to Friday).
  • Arrange for a telephone interview with Jo Houldsworth (for details see below).

To prepare for the interview we suggest you browse the ATNF web pages. Candidates who sound confident, demonstrate reasonable knowledge about subject they want to study and are well-spoken will have an advantage.

Successful candidates will be notified promptly after the telephone interview.

Address written applications to:
CSIRO/ATNF Paul Wild Observatory
(Attn: Work Experience Coordinator)
Locked Bag 194
Narrabri NSW 2390

Jo Houldsworth contact information:
email: narrabri@atnf.csiro.au
fax: (02) 6790 4090
tel: (02) 6790 4023

Successful applicants

If you are offered a place for work experience you will need to:
  • Complete and send the school insurance and work placement forms to Jo Houldsworth.
  • Confirm your travel details at least two weeks before arrival.
  • Notify the Observatory of any dietary requirements or disabilities before your arrival.
  • Successful applicants will be provided with more detailed information than given here.

Travel information

The Paul Wild Observatory is located about 25 km west of Narrabri, on Yarrie Lake Road, and clearly sign-posted. If you will be arriving by plane, train or bus, we can arrange to pick you up in town or at the airport. If you are travelling independently, please plan to arrive at the Observatory Lodge by 8.00 am on Monday morning and ask for the Work Experience Coordinator.

Accommodation

Accommodation and meals for work experience students are provided in the on-site Lodge, free-of-charge.

The dormitories in the Lodge are similar to motel rooms. You need to bring only personal belongings and clothing. Clothing should be neat and casual, with non-slip enclosed shoes.

The Lodge has a lounge room with TV and video facilities. Please note that the radio telescope is used 24 hours a day and visiting astronomers may be sleeping at any time during the day. This means that there must be no loud music or conversations in the dormitory wing of the Lodge at any time.

ATNF Requirements

  • The Paul Wild Observatory is a research and technical environment and work experience students must behave responsibly and appropriately. Students are expected to remain on site at the Observatory throughout their work experience.
  • All work experience students are given a safety induction soon after arrival. It is very important to follow the safety requirements that are explained during the induction.