POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4348, 4349
Position Title: Astronomy Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia
Number of positions available: 2
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 05/10/2026
End Date: 11/08/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 3,697.50 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: Astronomy, education, interpretation, visitor services, visitor center, public programs
PURPOSE
This Astronomy Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. 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 variety of 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, despite close proximity 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 also offer well-regarded annual Night sky events such as festivals and solstice celebrations. 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 position. This position will conduct projects with the Interpretation Supervisor and Astronomy Lead Ranger(s) 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 selected candidate will be responsible for writing new program outlines to be shared with the park for future staff use as well as providing planning and coordination for special events. Astronomy programs will follow the Interpretation Development Program guidelines for the outline (training/coaching will be provided). The SIP 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 SIP 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 SIP'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 while exploring and learning about the Park. If the SIP 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.
DELIVERABLES
In addition to conducting regularly scheduled astronomy and night sky programs, the SIP participant will assist with the planning and operation of our annual night sky festival along with other intermittent special events. They will leave detailed SOPs and lessons-learned for the following year. Additionally, the SIP will be responsible for providing completed outlines of astronomy programs that could be used by future park staff as well as providing in-park training for other SIPs and park staff on how to conduct night sky astronomy-based programs and in the use of astronomy associated software and equipment. They will also be responsible for updating/maintaining standard operating procedures for the Park's basic astronomy equipment. As time and interest allows, the SIP may be responsible for conducting other non-night sky programming for their professional growth and to benefit the park’s visitors. Additionally, they will be provided opportunities to cross-train with a variety of Park divisions to gain knowledge and experience to better qualify and successfully compete for positions in public lands or other related organizations. There will also be the opportunity and guidance for the SIP to create a current resume in a format recognized and preferred by the NPS and other federal land management agencies.
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 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, astronomy, geophysics, earth science, and environmental studies.
• 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 service 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. Service is done at elevations often exceeding 3,000’ above sea-level. Weather is variable throughout the season from cold, wet conditions in early Spring to hot, humid midsummer 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 hiking trails. They will deploy a variety of visual aids and materials to enhance their programs. Being able to lift ~20 pounds is a necessity along with walking at least 2 miles or for 45 minutes. At visitor centers, the SIP participant will conduct projects 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 these duties, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is necessary. A government vehicle will be provided for commuting while conducting projects 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 biting insects in Shenandoah National Park, this includes other animals such as ticks. Some ticks carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, so SIPs will have to use precautionary practices and be diligent about performing tick checks; tick-related safety information will be provided during orientation and throughout the season. The park is home to a population of black bears, 2 species of venomous snakes, and a variety of other wildlife. The SIP will be trained in how to safely share bear-habitat. The park enjoys the full four seasons and the SIP’s projects will be conducted both indoors and outdoors during occasional inclement weather including very warm or cool/cold days.
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 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. The SIP participant will share a kitchen, bathrooms, and living area with other seasonal staff and/or volunteers. Additionally, they may share their room with one other staff member. 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.
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 Shenandoah 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!”
