Program Coordinator - Stargazing Astronomy Guide

Program Coordinator – Stargazing & Night‑Sky Programs

The City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a part‑time Program Coordinator to plan and lead community stargazing programs and night‑sky events
. This position will help coordinate telescopes, educational materials, and outdoor activities that engage youth and adults in astronomy and celestial observation.

The ideal candidate has experience in conducting educational astronomy events with emphasis on historical, scientific and cultural connections to the night sky, is enthusiastic, organized, and comfortable working outdoors ning and weekend hours are required.

Join us in sharing the wonder of the night sky with the Durango community!

The City of Durango is a purpose‑driven organization with more than 400 full‑time and 300 part‑time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high‑quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You’ll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

• Help plan, schedule, and run stargazing and night‑sky activities for youth, adults, and families.
• Coordinate the equipment, supplies, and locations needed to make the program a success.
• Be the go‑to person during program activities to make sure everything runs smoothly.
• Create a welcoming space where every participant feels included and engaged.
• Share program updates and information with the community, volunteers, and City staff in a clear, professional manner.
• Assist with program registration, attendance tracking, and maintaining accurate records.
• Prepare marketing information and program descriptions to promote upcoming activities to the community.
• Monitor program quality and participant satisfaction and share feedback with supervisors.
• Help maintain safe program environments and follow City policies and procedures, including responding appropriately to incidents or emergencies.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some college preferred.
• One year of experience in recreation programming, community engagement, event coordination, education, arts programming, outdoor recreation, environmental education, or a closely related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire if required by program assignment.

• Enjoy helping people explore and connect with the night sky.
• Stay organized and can juggle program details like schedules, supplies, and participant needs without losing sight of the overall experience.
• Communicate clearly and easily build positive relationships with participants, instructors, volunteers, and coworkers.
• Create welcoming and inclusive program environments where participants feel comfortable asking questions and getting involved.
• Take initiative, work independently, and stay attentive to safety so programs run smoothly for everyone involved.

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area.
• Free Transit pass.
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards.