Astronomy Volunteer

Volunteer Duties

The volunteer’s primary responsibilities are:

Prepare and lead stargazing and solar viewing events 4 times per week

Conduct informal interpretation concerning night sky resources, dark sky preservation, and light pollution mitigation techniques

Lead constellation tours and operate telescopes

Volunteers will also help care for and maintain the monument’s solar scope, telescopes, other astronomy related equipment, and assist with astronomy program logistics. Other tasks may include staffing the information desk in the visitor center, roving the park and making informal visitor contacts, and supporting interpretation operations. Volunteers will be expected to support the NPS mission.

Logistics

Volunteers must be available for a minimum of two weeks, but preference will be given to those available for a month or more. Volunteers will work a minimum of 32 hours/week. Housing, in a monument building or a campsite, will be provided. Volunteers may use their own equipment, but the monument will not be liable for any damage. Monument equipment is available to volunteers. The monument does not have a permanent observing facility, so frequent set-up and take-down is required with some moderate lifting.

Park Setting

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in southeastern Idaho. It contains the largest, young basalt flows in the contiguous U.S. Over the past 15,000 years, lava eruptions created a rugged landscape that provides habitat for a surprising diversity of plants and animals in a high desert ecosystem. Daytime temperatures range from 60-100°F while nights drop to 45-65°F. The visitor center and loop road sit at an elevation of 6000ft, so altitude sickness (shortness of breath, lethargy, fitful sleep), may be an issue for some.

Selection Criteria

The ideal applicant is personable, communicative, self-motivated, knowledgeable, and a good public speaker.

Selections will be made based on:

Knowledge of the sky, astronomical equipment, and techniques

Communication skills and experience working with the public

Availability and time commitment

References and other factors that indicate suitability for this particular program

Application materials

Please send along a resume, three references, and a cover letter detailing your experience and availability.

Conditions of Acceptance.

Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Due to new regulations, both fingerprints and pictures are now required. Valid state driver's license required. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. You will be required to wear a volunteer uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform will be provided. You may be asked to work weekends and holidays. Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and be comfortable working in dry, high altitude locations. Ownership of publications, films, slides, videos, artistic or similar endeavors which volunteers might realize will be retained by the volunteer.  Because Craters of the Moon NM has an interest in these products, they will be permitted to use them with attribution to the artist.