Description:
Schedule
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30pm - 11PM
Housing
No Housing Available
Estimated START Date
Monday, August 23, 2024
Estimated END Date
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Location
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Overview
The Cedar Breaks Astronomy Interpretation Internship aims to provide mentored training and work experience for college students or recent graduates to learn about National Park Service dark sky interpretation programming. Interns will gain this experience and knowledge through hands on work as a member of the Astronomy Interpretation team at Cedar Breaks National Monument. This hands-on experience will be reinforced with one-on-one and group mentoring.
Description of work to be performed:
• Primary tasks include working collaboratively with park rangers to prepare and deliver night sky
interpretive programs.
• Research, develop and present original interpretive programs about the night sky and dark sky
preservation.
• Operate park-owned telescopes and provide informal interpretation of what is seen through the telescope as well as with the naked eye.
• Provide other visitor services including informal interpretive contacts and astronomy pop up
programs.
• Work with volunteers: individuals and groups.
• Assist with any additional night sky related projects and programs, including curriculum-based
programs.
• Professionally greet visitors and provide information to the public about the cultural and natural
resources of Cedar Breaks.
• Help ensure safe and well-organized movement of the public throughout the night programs.
• Set-up and take-down of equipment with some moderate lifting.
Interns will learn telescope operations and basic maintenance. Training opportunities in all areas of
responsibility including informal visitor contacts and developing and presenting interpretive programs will
be provided.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Some interest and background in astronomy and dark sky education and interpretation.
• Be adaptable and maintain a positive outlook while working in an ever-changing environment.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently at times without immediate access to a mentor.
• Able to work well at nighttime.
• Ability to work well with diverse ages and backgrounds.
• A valid driver’s license
• Pass a federal background check.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.
Benefits:
• Hands-on experience with park astronomy programs, equipment, and operations including set up and
use of both celestial and solar telescopes.
• Working knowledge and hands-on experience with National Park Service Interpretation programs and
general visitor services operations.
• Leadership and professionalism best practices
• Project and time management skills.
• Develop knowledge of local cultural and natural resources.
• Contribute to the understanding of park resources, individual and group safety, comfort, appreciation
of park values, and protection of park resources.
Length of commitment/stipend:
The internship is a six to ten week, fall program and can start as early as August 23rd and will end
approximately 10/19 with potential to extend into the winter. The base pay is $15/hr. Work schedule: Part
Time approximately 16.5hrs / week 5:30PM-11pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Tools, equipment, and vehicles to be operated:
Interns may be required to drive a government vehicle. Computer work, including Microsoft programs. Park
telescopes.
Location where work will be performed:
Duty Station at Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Physical requirements of work:
Approximately 95% of the work will be outside in various weather conditions at 10,000 feet, and
approximately 5% of indoor program operations. The job requires standing for long periods of time, inside
and outside, in all sorts of weather conditions. 95% of the shifts will begin in the afternoon and end at
11:00 PM.
Uniform:
Interns are required to wear the provided uniform shirt, hat, and outer wear. Long khaki, brown, or black
pants, with a belt, and close-toed shoes are required.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be interested in pursuing careers in interpretation, environmental sciences, ecology,
educational science, or public land management. A personal vehicle is required. Prior to starting this
position, a government security background clearance will be required.
Physical/Natural Environment:
Cedar Breaks National Monument is located outside of Cedar City, UT, near Brian Head. Most park
facilities and operations are located above 10,000ft. Summer-time highs are between 60 and 70°F and
night-time lows dip to 30-40s°F. Thunderstorms frequently develop in summer afternoons. Cedar City,
approximately 18 miles from the park has several necessary amenities including grocery stores,
pharmacies, restaurants, clinics, etc. Personal transportation is necessary to get to and from the park,
public transportation is extremely limited in the area and does not extend to the park. Visitation at the park
has drastically increased over the last five years and the trend is expected to continue.
Responsibilities
Description of work to be performed:
• Primary tasks include working collaboratively with park rangers to prepare and deliver night sky
interpretive programs.
• Research, develop and present original interpretive programs about the night sky and dark sky
preservation.
• Operate park-owned telescopes and provide informal interpretation of what is seen through the
telescope as well as with the naked eye.
• Provide other visitor services including informal interpretive contacts and astronomy pop up
programs.
• Work with volunteers: individuals and groups.
• Assist with any additional night sky related projects and programs, including curriculum-based
programs.
• Professionally greet visitors and provide information to the public about the cultural and natural
resources of Cedar Breaks.
• Help ensure safe and well-organized movement of the public throughout the night programs.
• Set-up and take-down of equipment with some moderate lifting.
Interns will learn telescope operations and basic maintenance. Training opportunities in all areas of
responsibility including informal visitor contacts and developing and presenting interpretive programs will
be provided.
Qualifications:
Good attitude and willingness to learn.