Specialist - Astronomy

Division: Sports & Entertainment Department: AKUN Company: Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Company (RSSE) From Land to Sea Active Experiences in Nature Red Sea Sports & Entertainment (RSSE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Sea Global (RSG), dedicated to designing, operating, and delivering exceptional land and marine experiences across The Red Sea destination. RSSE manages a diverse portfolio of sports, adventure, and leisure experiences through its specialized brands, including Galaxea for marine activities, AKUN for adventure experiences, and WAMA for recreational and leisure offerings. As a strategic partner of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, RSSE plays a vital role in advancing inclusive, accessible, and world-class sports and recreation experiences throughout the Kingdom. Driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences, RSSE contributes to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting the Kingdom's ambition to become a global destination for regenerative tourism.

Job Purpose The Astronomy Specialist is responsible for supporting the preparation, operation, maintenance, and delivery of astronomy experiences across The Red Sea destination, including both inland and island locations. The role ensures that astronomy equipment, observatories, and associated assets are fully operational, maintained to the highest standards, and available to support exceptional guest experiences. The position combines technical expertise with guest engagement, requiring hands-on operation of manual and computerized telescopes, binoculars, astrophotography equipment, and related optical instruments. The Astronomy Specialist is also responsible for equipment logistics, preventive maintenance, inventory management, and operational readiness while working closely with Astronomy Guides and the wider operations team to deliver memorable astronomy experiences. The role requires a strong commitment to guest service, operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and compliance with Red Sea Global policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

General

• Report directly to the Astronomy Supervisor and support the successful delivery of astronomy experiences.
• Ensure astronomy equipment and operational assets are fully prepared before each guest experience.
• Assist in developing and implementing operational procedures for astronomy tours, events, and festivals.
• Maintain the presentation, cleanliness, and functionality of astronomy facilities, structures, and equipment.
• Support operations across inland and island destinations as required.
• Assist with planning, logistics, transportation, and operational readiness.

Experience Development

• Support the Astronomy Supervisor in developing astronomy experiences, events, and educational programmes.
• Assist in evaluating, selecting, and recommending astronomy equipment and optical instruments.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Operations teams regarding equipment acquisition and replacement.
• Support RSG departments during project delivery to ensure operational objectives and design intent are achieved.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of astronomy programmes, observatories, and observation sites.
• Contribute to the development of new astronomy experiences across The Red Sea destination.
• Participate in identifying and assessing new observation locations suitable for premium guest experiences.
• Stay informed of astronomy industry trends, standards, and operational best practices.

Operations

• Deliver astronomy experiences across inland and island destinations.
• Conduct guest safety briefings before every experience.
• Guide guests during astronomy activities while ensuring their safety and enjoyment.
• Educate guests on astronomy, dark-sky conservation, and responsible environmental practices.
• Maintain compliance with safety procedures, emergency response plans, risk assessments, and first aid requirements.
• Ensure all astronomy assets are clean, functional, and guest-ready.
• Operate manual and computerized telescopes, binoculars, and supporting optical equipment.
• Configure lenses, filters, and accessories to optimize celestial observations.
• Deliver telescope viewing sessions, stargazing programmes, and astrophotography experiences.
• Explain astronomy concepts and telescope operation in a clear and engaging manner.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance of telescopes and optical equipment.
• Support annual deep maintenance of mirrors, lenses, alignment systems, and optical components.
• Perform telescope software updates and maintain accurate astronomical databases.
• Maintain inventory records, warranty documentation, and vendor coordination.
• Capture astrophotography content as required and maintain associated equipment.
• Support the setup and development of observatories and observation sites.
• Assist in planning and delivering astronomy festivals, special events, and educational programmes.
• Coordinate closely with Astronomy Guides, Tour Assistants, and Operations teams regarding programme schedules, equipment requirements, moon phases, weather conditions, and logistics.
• Communicate operational updates, guest feedback, and equipment requirements to management.
• Stay current with astronomy discoveries, emerging technologies, and industry developments.

Policies, Procedures & Reporting

• Comply with all company policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, inventories, and maintenance documentation.
• Provide recommendations to improve guest experiences, operational efficiency, and equipment readiness.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of risk assessments, method statements, and safe working practices.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Adhere to all health, safety, quality, and environmental policies.
• Promote safe working practices and environmental sustainability throughout all operations.
• Participate in operational reviews and continuous improvement initiatives with the Astronomy team.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, operational processes, guest experiences, productivity, and cost efficiency through international best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Tourism, Hospitality, Business Management, Environmental Studies, or a related discipline.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience within tourism, hospitality, adventure tourism, or guest experience operations.

• Minimum two (2) years of practical experience operating astronomy and optical equipment.

• Demonstrated experience delivering astronomy-related experiences.

• Experience operating manual and computerized telescopes, including large-aperture systems.

• Experience performing routine and advanced maintenance of telescopes and optical equipment.

• Experience with telescope alignment, mirror collimation, and calibration.

• Knowledge of astronomy tours, events, festivals, and guest experience operations.

• Experience in astrophotography techniques and equipment.

• Wilderness First Aid certification or internationally recognized First Aid certification.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic.

• Outstanding customer service and guest engagement skills.

• Strong understanding of luxury tourism and premium guest experiences.

• Knowledge of astronomy equipment, optical systems, and operational procedures.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Professional, reliable, and highly detail-oriented.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Passion for astronomy, science education, and environmental conservation.

• Additional spoken languages.

• Astronomy industry or business experience.

• Experience supporting astronomy events or festivals.

• Knowledge of health and safety requirements for outdoor tourism.

• Experience delivering tours across diverse environments.

• Interest in environmental conservation and dark-sky protection.