POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4315
Position Title: Astronomy Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Glacier National Park, Browning, Montana
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 05/24/2026
End Date: 08/16/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 1,956.35 upon successful completion of position
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
- Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
- Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
- Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: night skies, astronomy, interpretation, education, observatory
PURPOSE
This Astronomy Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the world's first transboundary International Dark Sky Park and a critical aspect of maintaining this certification is education. Interpretation staff and volunteers collaborate closely with Science and Resource Management staff to collect important night sky data while also providing important educational programming. This position will help to support this essential programming and provide an excellent learning opportunity for any participant interested in astronomy programming in a national park. This position will contribute toward the conservation, management, and interpretation of the night sky at Glacier National Park.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Glacier's astronomy program began in 2008 and has grown to become one of the National Park Service's premiere astronomy programs. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is also the world's first transboundary International Dark Sky Park and a critical aspect of maintaining this certification is education. Glacier's astronomers help thousands of park visitors view the sun and night sky every summer. This Astronomy Assistant will have the opportunity to be involved in all facets of the park's astronomy program including public programs like star parties, solar viewing, nightly astronomy programs, presentations, special events, and activities in nearby communities. The participant will service closely with astronomers and other National Park Service staff during their appointment. The Astronomy Assistant will have the opportunity to learn and use a variety of telescopes and other equipment.
Astronomy staff are patient communicators who can help a variety audience learn about astronomy. During nightly sky tours and telescope viewing, staff interact with many who are completely new to the night sky. They also assist with large events like star parties and astronomy festivals. Staff provide guided constellation tours and use park-owned telescopes and the Dusty Star Observatory to show visitors the wonders of deep space.
Training in the astronomy program, as well as interpretive skills, customer service, and park operations will be provided. The astronomy assistant will research, develop, and present at least one original interpretive program, as well as interact with the public informally during drop-in programs, roving assignments, and visitor center shifts. Other projects may include the following: collecting sky quality data to assess current conditions, using specialized equipment for imaging; and other projects depending on the interests of the participant. Additional training and professional development are also available.
DELIVERABLES
Specific projects, goals, and materials to be produced will be individualized for the participant. Projects may include developing astronomy materials, programs, and products; collecting and organizing images; collecting and analyzing night sky quality data; and providing astronomy education programs.
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 host site.
- The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students whose educational or career objectives are in astronomy, physics, or other related fields. Desired skills include the following: background in astronomy education; ability to set up and use both celestial and solar telescopes, experience in manual and/or GoTo telescope operation; ability to conduct night sky constellation tours; experience providing astronomy programs for the public through star parties or other events; ability to clearly communicate values of dark skies and find and describe astronomical objects; good customer service skills; ability to participate in the position independently and live in a remote area; and curiosity and friendliness.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Glacier National Park is located in northwest Montana and is a showcase of alpine meadows, glacially carved scenery, and spectacular lakes. Glacier provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The weather is highly variable and, even in summer, exploring the park means being prepared for changing conditions. Even throughout June, rainy days and cooler temperatures are common. Hot days and cool nights are normal throughout July and August. More information about the park can be found on the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/glac.
The housing/service area for this position is located in St. Mary, Montana on the east side of the park. This part of the park is fairly remote and having a personal vehicle is highly recommended. The closest grocery stores are located in Browning, MT approximately 30 miles away. The position will be a mix of an office setting, in the park's Dusty Star Observatory, as well as in an outdoor setting during programs and events. This position must closely interact with the public in a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and smoky skies. The position also requires completing projects on a varied schedule including many shifts in the evening and at night.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS 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 either a dormitory-style unit with a shared bathroom or at a trailer pad. Housing includes laundry facilities, basic furniture, and appliances (refrigerator, microwave, and stove/oven). Additional amenities such as utensils, dishes, pots/pans, other kitchen items, bedding, and other basic household items are available to borrow. Depending on park staffing, dormitory rooms may need to be shared (2 persons/room). Housing is located in St. Mary, near the east entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The St. Mary Visitor Center and Dusty Star Observatory (the primary service locations) are just a short distance (approximately a half mile) from the housing. Housing is nearby other permanent and seasonal staff, as well as the St. Mary community.
OUR COMMITMENT
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 based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off 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
- Member will receive pertinent project and site training from host site throughout term
- Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
- Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff
EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of minimum AmeriCorps 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.
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 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/.
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 Scientists in Parks program will host the Astronomy Assistant at Glacier National Park.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations 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!”
