Wanted by NASA: Planet protector vs aliens

FLORIDA – It’s a high-paying job with a chance to play hero to an entire planet.

NASA is looking for a “planetary protection officer” – job description for one who protects Earth from aliens, according to a report in the Washington Post.

The successful candidate will receive between $124,000 and $187,000 annually.

Aside from preventing a “potential extraterrestrial contamination of Earth,” the candidate must also prevent Earth’s microbes from reaching other planets.

“You get to work with really smart people as part of the three- to five-year appointment but don’t have to manage anyone. And your work could stave off an alien invasion of Earth or, more important, protect other planets from us,” the Washington Post said in its report, quoting NASA.

The candidate will lead efforts to ensure that robotic and human space missions comply with federal and international standards on how space matter is handled.

The planetary protection officer will also lead coordination efforts with interactions with the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), National Academies and advisory committees on planetary protection matters, according to the job description.

The job will be based at NASA’s headquarters in Washington. NASA will accept applications until Aug. 14. To be eligible for the position of planetary protection officer, candidates must have at least one year of broad engineering expertise in a top level civilian government position; be a recognized subject matter expert with advanced knowledge of planetary protection and demonstrate experience in planning, executing or overseeing elements of space programs of national significance. The candidate must also possess demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and multilateral discussions.

He/She must also have a degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics or a combination of education and experience equivalent to such a degree.

NASA is gearing up for a host of space exploration over the coming years, which includes the launch of its InSight mission to Mars in 2018 and a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa in the 2020s. NASA’s long-term goal is to send a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s.

US President Donald Trump has expressed enthusiasm for America’s space program, signing an executive order last month resurrecting the National Space Council, on hiatus since the 1990s, and gleefully discussing the prospect of sending people to Mars.

Trump’s proposed budget for NASA seeks a slight funding reduction overall, though he wants to realign spending to focus on “deep space exploration rather than Earth-centric research,” The Post reported in March.