Position Purpose Teton Science Schools (TSS) is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to connect people, place, nature, and each other through education. Wyoming Stargazing connects participants with the extraordinary night skies of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the universe beyond through engaging, accessible astronomy education. The Astronomy Experiences Program Coordinator supports the year-round delivery and operations of astronomy programming, including public and private stargazing experiences, solar astronomy, planetarium programs, classroom-based STEM education, special events, and other educational initiatives. This position combines program facilitation, logistics, staff coordination, and operational support. The Program Coordinator works closely with Wyoming Stargazing leadership to ensure high-quality programming, strong guest and partner experiences, well-prepared staff, and smooth day-to-day operations.
Responsibilities
Program Delivery & Education
- Facilitate engaging public and private astronomy programs, including stargazing, solar astronomy, planetarium experiences, presentations, and special events
- Provide classroom-based STEM tutoring and astronomy education in partnership with local schools
- Adapt programming to meet the needs of participants with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and levels of astronomy knowledge
- Support astronomical research and citizen science initiatives as appropriate
- Contribute to major Wyoming Stargazing initiatives such as eclipse travel programs, dark sky conservation, astronomy certification programs, and Belonging in STEM
Program Operations & Logistics
- Coordinate day-to-day program logistics, scheduling, equipment preparation, transportation, and program readiness
- Communicate with guests, vendors, partners, and internal TSS teams to support successful program delivery
- Maintain astronomy equipment, vehicles, program materials, and other operational resources
- Purchase and maintain appropriate program supplies and inventory
- Identify equipment and operational needs and provide recommendations to department leadership
- Support continuous improvement of systems, procedures, and program operations
Staff Training & Coordination
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervision of seasonal astronomy staff, interns, volunteers, and other program support staff
- Train TSS staff who assist with Wyoming Stargazing reservations, logistics, and guest communication
- Maintain and update staff training materials, including the Stargazing Leader Manual
- Help ensure staff have the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to provide safe and high-quality educational experiences
- Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and operational support to seasonal staff
Organizational Leadership
- Collaborate with Wyoming Stargazing leadership to implement departmental goals and priorities
- Support communication and coordination across Teton Science Schools departments
- Represent TSS professionally when working with guests, schools, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders
- Participate in department and organization-wide meetings, trainings, and initiatives as appropriate
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, STEM education, science education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Experience in astronomy, STEM education, environmental education, informal education, or related programming
- Experience coordinating programs, logistics, projects, or day-to-day operations
- Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to confidently facilitate educational experiences for diverse audiences
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing program needs
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and ability to appropriately handle confidential or sensitive information
- Comfortable learning and using technology including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, scheduling systems, and other online platforms
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of experience in astronomy education, STEM education, informal education, program coordination, or a related field
- Experience supervising, training, or coordinating seasonal staff, interns, or volunteers
- Experience developing or adapting educational curriculum
- Experience working with telescopes, astronomy equipment, planetarium technology, or astronomical research
- Knowledge of dark sky conservation or citizen science initiatives
Schedule & Work Environment This is a full-time, year-round position with a schedule that varies seasonally based on programming needs. The position includes a combination of daytime, evening, nighttime, weekend, and occasional holiday work. Evening and nighttime availability is an essential part of the role due to the nature of astronomy programming.
Program priorities vary throughout the year and generally include:
- January through April: Primary focus on STEM tutoring and school-based programs, with additional astronomy programming, research, and operational responsibilities
- May through September: Increased astronomy programming, staff training, supervision, logistics, and summer program operations
- October through December: Primary focus on STEM tutoring and school-based programming, with continued astronomy programming, research, and operational responsibilities
Work hours may increase during periods of high program demand, special events, and seasonal programming.