Planetarium & Nature Center Guide

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Make an Impact at Rock Creek Park. Planetarium & Nature Center Guides are volunteers dedicated to connecting curious minds to the wonders of the universe. Located within the Nature Center, volunteers working in our planetarium use high-tech software to project the image of the night sky onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. Planetarium & Nature Center Guides also inspire children and adults to develop a connection to nature by touring guests through the Nature Center and surrounding areas. Our guides play an important role at the park as we strive to strengthen our community through science education. Help us engage our community through direct, one-on-one education, and educate guests about current scientific and space happenings by signing up to volunteer!

Volunteers are required to sign-up for two shifts per month.

Shifts are 4-hours in length from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Some evening shifts are available throughout the year.

The deadline to apply for this opportunity is July 1st, 2024.



Duties:

• Introducing and welcoming visitors to the Nature Center and Planetarium

• Ensure the smooth operation of the Planetarium, which includes collecting tickets, managing guests, tracking visitations, and using software to project video presentations on a dome shape ceiling.

• Present planetarium shows and educational demonstrations to guests of varying ages.

• Conduct tours and present programs in the exhibition areas.

• Help develop exhibition curriculum and nature walks in the Nature Center and surrounding areas.

• Prepare and assemble program materials.

• Work alongside park rangers and naturalist educators during school fieldtrips, scout programs, hikes, and group visits.

• Assist with public programs, craft-activities, and staff pop-up tables as needed.

Provide basic housekeeping tasks:

• Dust exhibits, bookshelves, and cobweb-collecting spots with a hand duster.

• Wipe smudges off glass doors, windows, counter tops, and walls to keep the visitor center area neat and clean.

• Assist with animal care.

Other occasional duties:

• Roving the areas outside the Nature Center and picking up trash and debris from the walkways.

• Volunteer may ride in a government vehicle for work related duties, training, and orientation to the park.

• Volunteer assist with Point-of-Sale operations at our Eastern National (EN) bookstore.

• Address and fill envelopes with appropriate brochures to answer mail requests for visitor information.

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Comfortable working with children and diverse audiences

• Basic knowledge of astronomy, natural science, history and education /interpretive techniques.

• Ability to work well with others and collaborate on ideas.

• Comfortable learning and facilitating with technology.

• Ability to lead groups of people effectively.

• Able to always maintain a professional demeanor.

• Willing to work outdoors.

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

• Able to lift 20 lbs.

• Background check is required.

Volunteers should possess the following qualities:

· Welcoming personality and enthusiasm for working with park visitors.

· Interest in nature, history, and planetary science.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Enjoy leading group nature crafts and other activities with children, groups, and adults.

· Flexible working style and ability to adapt to different engagement styles.

· Willingness to learn, share visitor Information, and present nature and science programs..

· Ability to react quickly and solve problems or recognize when to contact a staff person.

· Teaching experience preferred.

· Foreign language and ASL skills are not required, but a plus.

Start Date - 2024-05-01

End Date - 2025-05-01

Activities include: Visitor Information;Night Sky/Astronomy