Astronomy Assistant AmeriCorps

Position Details

• Position (s): 4348, 4349
• Position Title: Astronomy Assistant - Ameri Corps
• Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia
• Number of positions available: 2

• Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
• Flexible
  
  Start Date:
  
  Yes
• Start Date: 05/10/2026
• End Date: 11/08/2026
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 900 hours – minimum number of hours to serve throughout duration

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $600.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $450.00 (one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by My Ameri Corps , directly)
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through My Ameri Corps , directly)

Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the Final date to receive applications 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

This Astronomy Assistant is an Ameri Corps 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.

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…