Want to protect planet Earth from alien contamination? Well, NASA has the job for you.
- NASA hiring a planetary protection officer
- Full-time position with up to $187,000 salary
- Must have "advanced knowledge" of planetary protection
The space agency is currently looking to hire a planetary protection officer, who will ensure that space missions don’t accidentally contaminate alien worlds. Conversely, the person also helps ensure that something from an alien world doesn’t contaminate Earth.
Responsibilities include “maintenance of planetary protection policies and oversight of their implementation by NASA’s space flight missions.”
Candidates must have at least one year of experience as a top-level civilian government employee (GS-15) and “advanced knowledge” of planetary protection. They must also have experience overseeing space programs. Oh, and an advanced degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.
The job requires frequent travel and comes with a six-figure salary of $124,406 to $187,000 a year plus benefits.
NASA’s current planetary protection officer, Catharine Conley, is relocating to another department.
The European Space Agency is the only other agency to offer a similar, full-time role.
Have what it takes? NASA is accepting applications at USAJobs.gov. The job posting closes Aug. 14.