NASA is hiring a ‘planetary protection officer’

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In this film image, Tommy Lee Jones, left, and Will Smith are shown in a scene from “Men in Black II.”

The officer would be part of NASA’s Office of Planetary Protection, which, among other things, works “to avoid contamination that would obscure our ability to find life elsewhere — if it exists; and to ensure that we take prudent precautions to protect Earth’s biosphere in case it does.”

And the job pays well. Compensation is between $124,406 and $187,000, according to the job description.

But space enthusiasts, don’t submit your resume just yet. As Newsweek reports, the qualifications are pretty specific. To be considered, you have to hold a bachelor’s degree, and preferably an advanced degree, in one of the following areas: Engineering, physical science or mathematics.

Candidates must also have completed “24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials or electronics.”