Astronomy Volunteers

The high visitation combined with the pristine night skies makes Grand Canyon National Park one of the premiere destinations in the United States for astronomy outreach.

Project SKYGLOW

 

2024 Astronomy Volunteer Positions

Are you a passionate advocate for dark skies? Are you experienced in astronomy outreach? Do you love our national parks? Imagine living and working on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, sharing the beauty of the Canyon by day, and its sublime starlight by night! Astronomy volunteers work the visitor center desk in the late afternoons, rove along the rim, provide solar astronomy, answer visitor questions, and provide informal interpretation. In the evening, volunteers provide "pop-up" telescope viewing sessions along the rim, near the hotels, and at the campgrounds. They present formal constellation talks and work alongside park rangers to conduct star parties. They may also participate in night sky citizen science campaigns for the park and take occasional sky quality measurments (training provided onsite).

Astronomy volunteers are patient communicators who are able to help a diverse audience learn about astronomy. During nightly sky tours and telescope viewing, astronomers interact with many who are completely new to the night sky. Our astronomers provide guided sky tours of Native American and Greek constellations and use park-owned telescopes to show visitors the wonders of deep space. These positions work closely with the public in an outdoor setting and in a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and smoky skies. Additional training in interpretive skills, customer service, park operations, and other professional development opportunities will be available.

This program is supported by the park's official non-profit partner Grand Canyon Conservancy.

 

Solar Astronomy is a popular method of outreach for our Astronomy Volunteers.

NPS Photo Rader Lane

Required Skills and Interests

• Background in astronomy education preferred
• Ability to set up and use both celestial and solar telescopes
• Ability to clearly communicate values of dark skies and find and describe astronomical objects
• Ability to conduct night sky constellation tours
• Good customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and live in a remote area

Desired Skills and Interests

• Ability to communicate the “big picture” of dark skies and how this relates to protecting national parks
• Experience providing astronomy programs for the public through star parties or other events
• Familiarity with night sky photography
• Experience with camera-assisted observing

 

Evening Programs involve laser-guided constellation talks, telescope viewing sessions, even electronically assisted astronomy, as seen here.

NPS Photo Rader Lane

Position Dates

Positions run from approximately April 15 to July 15, 2024. Beginning and ending dates may be flexible. We prefer to have volunteers for the entire 3-month period, but will consider shorter durations. Work schedule is 4/5 days per week (32 hour minimum/week to qualify for free housing).

Position Locations

These positions (up to 4) are located in the Village District on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. A week-long stint providing astronomy outreach at the bottom of the Grand Canyon at Phantom Ranch may also be possible.

Stipend

We currently cannot provide a stipend for this volunteer position.

Housing

Free Government housing will be provided. Free trailer spaces with utilities may also be available.

Application Information

A resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references (name, title/position, phone, and e-mail) should be submitted to the park contact via e-mail (below). See contact information below. A federal background check will be required.

Park Contact

To submit an application, please email our Volunteer Coordinator.