Work With Us

The success of Kielder Observatory depends on the people who work and volunteer with us. We want a team made up of people who care about what we do, bring different experiences and perspectives, and want to make a real contribution.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we will make reasonable adjustments wherever they are needed. If there is something we can do to make the recruitment process work better for you, tell us when you apply.

There is no single route into working with us. We value curiosity, enthusiasm, good judgement and a shared belief in what Kielder Observatory is here to achieve. You do not need to fit a particular mould. If you think you could bring something useful to the team, we would love to hear from you.

Current Vacancies 

There are no current vacancies. But watch this SPACE.

Work Experience

We offer a small number of work experience placements each year for people aged 16 and over who are curious about astronomy, science communication, visitor experience and what it takes to run a public observatory. Placements usually involve several evening shifts alongside our team, helping to welcome visitors, prepare spaces and equipment, support activities and see how our astronomy sessions come together.

You may spend time at Kielder Observatory, Twice Brewed Inn or our Hexham office. We will agree what you would like to get from the placement, give you practical experience and make time for feedback at the end. Sessions can finish between 11pm and midnight, so you will need to arrange your own transport, with suitable arrangements in place for anyone under 18.

To apply, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and tell us a little about yourself, what you are interested in, what you would like to learn and anything we can do to make the placement accessible. Applications open in January and close on 1 March, with placements usually taking place between April and August. We cannot accommodate everyone who applies, but if it sounds like something you would get something from, we would like to hear from you.

Ideas and Partnerships

We are always interested in hearing from people and organisations who believe they could help us further our charitable purpose or deliver our strategic goals.

If you have an idea for a partnership, collaboration, project, expertise or other support that could make a meaningful difference to our work, we would be interested to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a short outline of what you are proposing and how you think it could support Kielder Observatory.

Please note that we are not able to accommodate unsolicited sales calls or general supplier pitches. Keep it short, keep it interesting. Unusual ideas welcome.