Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Astronomy Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/05/2025

End Date: 11/03/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $565.00 per week.
  • Relocation Allowance of $400.00 distributed as a one-time lump sum.
  • Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly).
    • Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly).

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The position will close after receiving 75 applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 19 January, 2025, whichever occurs first. The review of applications will begin after Sunday, 19 January, 2025.

PURPOSE

This Astronomy Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will ​​assist with night sky-related activities. As a relatively wild place with some of the darkest night skies in the east near many large population areas, we have the unique opportunity to provide our diverse visitors with engaging educational programs on the topic of astronomy and night skies. Night sky enjoyment is connected to the protection of many park resources like air quality, land management, and wildlife. There are many educational connections that can be made with our audience during night sky programming to include soundscapes, wilderness protection, light pollution, storytelling, and the ability of the average person to make a difference by gaining confidence in the dark and helping to protect the dark. Educational/interpretive opportunities, using astronomy as the foundation, give the park the opportunity to fulfill both the NPS mission and Shenandoah's interpretive goals.​

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

​​Shenandoah celebrates some of the darkest night skies in the Eastern US, fairly close to many urban areas where visitors come to enjoy a darker night sky and learn about this special resource. The park conducts night sky programs 3-5 times per week and they are well-attended (by ~25-300 visitors per program) and these programs continue to be requested more often. We have a well-regarded annual Night sky Festival in August and active local astronomical societies. This position allows the park to offer more regular night sky programming and better staff training in astronomy-based programming for continuity among seasonal and permanent rangers. Preparing and conducting astronomy programs for visitors will be 50% of the job activities for this member. This position will work with the Interpretation Supervisor and Astronomy Lead Ranger to create and provide night sky programs, usually conducted independently, at night to the public based on astronomy using laser pointers, binoculars, and telescopes. The member will be responsible for writing new program outline/s to be shared with the park for future staff use as well as standard operating procedures for the Park's telescopes and astronomy equipment for use by Park staff. Astronomy programs will follow the Interpretation Development Program guidelines for the outline (training/coaching will be provided). The member will provide astronomy programs and training to other Park staff for professional education opportunities and program building for continuity. For 25% of their time, the member will assist in visitor services (inside or outside visitor centers as applicable, as well as by phone, email, etc) and giving park orientation/information. The remaining 25% of the member's time will be used for conducting informal visitor contacts roving and patrolling trails and roads and other visitor use areas to provide assistance, information, and interpretation to visitors when necessary, while exploring and learning about the Park. If the member has appropriate experience and interest, this time might also be spent collecting night sky and other photography content for use in park media like our website, social media, and educational displays as well as other related special projects as directed by their supervisor. ​


KEYWORDS: ​​Astronomy, education, interpretation, visitor services, visitor center, public programming​

DELIVERABLES

​​In addition to conducting regularly scheduled astronomy and night sky programs, the member will assist with the planning and operation of our annual week-long night sky festival along with permanent and seasonal staff, leaving detailed SOPs and lessons-learned for the following year. Additionally, the member will be responsible for providing completed outline/s of astronomy program/s that could be used by future park staff as well as providing in-park training for other members and park staff on how to conduct night sky astronomy-based programs and in the use the park’s telescopes and other associated equipment. They will also be responsible for updating/maintaining standard operating procedures for the Park's basic astronomy equipment as well as assisting during other special events and activities. As time and interest allows, the member may be responsible for conducting other non-night sky programming for their professional growth and to benefit the park’s visitors.​


QUALIFICATIONS

  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
  • Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
  • Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the NPS site location.
  • The applicant must be available to participate for 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
​​• Participant will have upper-level college coursework in the physical sciences in related subject matter like geology, climate change, astronomy, geo-physics, and environmental science. • Astronomy experience is a requirement- this experience could include an Astronomy or Physics/Astrophysics Major or Minor in an accredited degree program, a certificate program in Astronomy from a college/university or observatory educational program, volunteering/working at an observatory or other location giving astronomy programs to the public, and other similar experience. • Knowledge and experience in using astronomy tools such as laser pointers, binoculars, and telescopes required. • Good public speaking skill is crucial, as is a desire to work with the public. • Proficiency with computers and basic office equipment is essential. • Experience in basic night sky photography is helpful, but not required. • Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.​

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

​​Shenandoah National Park lies along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in north central Virginia. The park consists of more than 197,000 acres of mountains, forests, meadows, and streams including 79,579 acres of designated wilderness. The park includes the famously scenic Skyline Drive, more than 500 miles of hiking trails, and numerous historical sites. Weather is variable throughout the season from cold, wet conditions in early Spring to hot, humid mid-Summer conditions, and crisp, cool Fall days. Temperatures are usually 8-10 degrees cooler on the mountain than they are in the surrounding lowland areas. Once the participant has completed their initial training and orientation, they will independently conduct interpretive programs throughout the park at a variety of locations to possibly include amphitheaters, visitor centers and overlooks/pullouts. They will deploy a variety of visual aids and materials to enhance their programs. Being able to lift ~20 pounds is a necessity as is walking at least 2 miles or for 45 minutes. At visitor centers, the member will work alongside or in rotation with other staff to provide visitor assistance and information and will participate in basic operational duties to include light cleaning, stocking supplies, and opening/closing associated facilities. Due to the variability of work duties, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is necessary. A government vehicle will be provided for commuting on work time from their duty station to programs and events. The location of daily shifts will vary throughout the park to include visitor centers, hiking trails, outdoor amphitheaters, picnic areas, overlooks, etc. There are numerous species of insects in Shenandoah National Park including gnats, stinkbugs, and ticks. Some ticks carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses so members will have to use precautionary practices and be diligent about performing daily tick checks; tick-related safety information will be provided during orientation and throughout the season. The park is home to approximately 500 black bears, 2 species of venomous snakes, and a variety of other wildlife. The member will be trained in how to safely share bear-habitat. The park enjoys the full four seasons and the member’s work will be conducted indoors and outdoors during occasional inclement weather and during very warm or cool/cold days. ​


VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
  • A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Housing will be in a single or double bedroom in a shared house at one of the following locations within the park: Front Royal (near Dickey Ridge), Park headquarters (near Luray), Skyland, Big Meadows, Loft Mountain (last three located near the Big Meadows visitor center and/or campgrounds). The member will share a kitchen, bathrooms, and living area with other members, volunteers, and/or seasonals and may share their room with one other staff person. The occupant will have to bring bedding, towels, pillow, and cooking utensils. Depending on the location of the participant's housing, the distance to the nearest large grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, doctor's offices, etc. ranges from 5-20 miles. ​


HOW TO APPLY

Apply online, all Scientists in Parks positions are listed at: https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/. Complete the application for this position, highlighting why you are interested in the position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Be prepared to upload your resume and unofficial transcript as part of completing the application questionnaire.

Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks positions per season. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your email service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.). Learn more about Scientists in Parks at: https://www.scientistsinparks.org/.


ADDITIONAL DETAILS


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.


TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
  • Lunch breaks will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service hours.
  • Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

  • Orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
  • Pertinent training from the NPS site location throughout the term of service.
  • Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff or the Ecological Society of America.
  • Opportunity to join one (or more) SIP Affinity Groups. Groups include: DEIJ Change Makers, Women+ in Science, BIPOC, or Pride in STEM.
  • Opportunity to present the outcomes from the SIP position at national scientific meetings held by the Ecological Society of America and Geological Society of America.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.


Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.


Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Shenandoah National Park will host a Astronomy Assistant.


Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements.


If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under “Questions? Contact us!”

%FOOTER_POWERED_BY%breezy