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If you are looking for a fun summer job that comes with a ton of employee perks, apply today! We are looking for people with a love of the outdoors, a desire to learn, and a commitment to excellent service. Click the title link to learn more about each position. If you have any questions, please contact our hiring staff at hr@snowkingmountain.com

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Observatory and Planetarium Guide

Things to do in Jackson Hole

Job Description

Planetarium shows, telescope observing nights, and interactive activities at SKOP (including theater and Science On A Sphere presentations) are all led by eager and knowledgeable workers like you! SKOP Guides are entertainers and educators responsible for leading presentations and programs for all of our public, private, and school shows. They facilitate entertaining and educational activities of all types at SKOP, which can include regular public shows, private rentals, school groups, and perhaps occasionally joining on outreach visits to other regional sites. Presenters develop their skills as public speakers, educators, and science communicators while engaging with all ages. They will also gain proficiency with the telescope and planetarium hardware/software, as well increase their scientific knowledge base with a focus on space and astronomy.

Qualifications & Responsibilities (But not limited to)

  • Must possess outstanding oral communications skills. (Can you describe concepts in astronomy and/or Earth science in an accessible way to an audience? Can you engage visitors? Can you converse with visitors using complete sentences? Do you have good listening skills? Can you figure out what question they’re trying to ask you?)

  • Be willing to be challenged. (Much of the job requires dedication – some find learning astronomy to be the most challenging aspect. Others can be annoyed by interactions with the public. Some have difficulty adapting to new shows or presentations. But, this is a very rewarding, fun, and unique position.)

  • Be willing to learn new topics. (You will be expected to explore a range of topics and also stay up to date on current astronomical events. You will have guidance and resources to help accomplish this.)

  • Must be adaptable, open to new experiences, and grow from feedback. (SKOP is a dynamic place devoted to quality customer experiences. Staff need to adapt to customer needs, as well as be able to give and receive constructive feedback.)

  • Must possess and/or develop a strong knowledge of astronomy concepts. (As examples: what is the difference between the geocentric and heliocentric models? What is the largest planet in our solar system? How old is the universe? What is a black hole?)

  • Must possess demonstrated attention to detail. (Can you be carefully attuned to how your audience might be experiencing a show? Can you adjust accordingly when the audience is not responding positively?)

  • Must have demonstrated customer/visitor service skills. (Can you consistently make a positive impression on behalf of SKOP and Snow King Mountain Resort as a whole when you’re interacting with visitors?)

  • Must have an eagerness to work with the public and engage in conversation. (Does a visitor look lost? Did you overhear a conversation with visitors wondering about a show or something in the gift shop? Ask them how you can help.)

  • Must be willing to improvise and stay level-headed if things don’t go as intended. (Interacting with many members of the public from all over the world provides the opportunity to work on these skills.)

  • Must be reliable, punctual, and communicate with staff in a timely manner. (Will you work when you say you’ll work? Will you be on time? This includes checking email in case of changes or potential issues that may arise.)

  • Must be able to follow, carry out, and effectively communicate SKOP policies. (Yes, you may need to ask a visitor to stop taking videos in the dome or to stop checking their phone, which projects light onto the dome and disrupts the experience of other audience members. Do you feel comfortable having that type of conversation?)