Lick Observatory Public Programs Assistant

*THIS POSITION IS BASED AT LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA

Lick Observatory runs over 40 events every summer to invite people to our historic observatory and look through our Great Refractor telescope. As a Public Program Assistant, this position will help with the running of all of the events, including welcoming visitors to the observatory, helping visitors park, checking tickets and providing directions. This is a fun opportunity to work with a friendly group of people and help yourself and others connect with the night sky.

Public Programs Assistants are expected to work nights, primarily Thursday-Sunday from May through September.

This is an ongoing continuous recruitment. Hires will continue to be made after the initial review date.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-17-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Observatories (UCO) is a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) funded via the University of California Office of the President, Office of Research and headquartered on the UC Santa Cruz campus. UCO operates on behalf of astronomers, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students across the UC system who are engaged in research, education and training in optical and infrared astronomy. In addition to managing the technical, physical plant and public outreach operations of the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton, California, UCO provides the scientific and administrative liaison to the shared Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii and the international collaboration for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. UCO comprises extensive scientific and technical staff and facilities at UC Santa Cruz and Lick Observatory as well as administrative and business services.

The Lick Observatory telescopes are scheduled 363 days per year, weather permitting. Additionally, Lick hosts about 30,000 members of the public via its summer programs and casual visitors.

More information can be found at: https://www.lickobservatory.org/

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision of the Visitor Services Supervisor, the incumbent(s) will work individually or as part of a group to support the public programs at Lick Observatory, located 23 miles east of San Jose at 4,200 feet elevation. Programs include the annual Music of the Spheres summer concert series comprising a musical performance, scientific talk and public viewing through the 36" and 40" telescopes, Evening with the Stars series (science lectures and viewing through the telescopes), Public Evening Tours, Photography Nights, and other events throughout the year. The incumbent(s) will be responsible for greeting the public at Lick Observatory events, directing traffic and parking, as well as set-up and tear-down of equipment before and after events.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $21.24 / Hourly.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 10%, 4 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Thurs -Sun (As needed)
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 06-30-2026, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: Lick Observatory, MT Hamilton, CA

Union Representation: CX - Clerical & Allied Services

Job Code Classification: 004672 (CLERK SR OR SECR)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

65% - General Pre- and Post- Public Program Support

• Set-up, tear down and store chairs, tables and stage equipment
• Set-up simple audio/video equipment
• Direct traffic and assist visitor parking
• Transport various equipment
• Run errands into town on an ad-hoc basis
• Set-up diner for VIP dinners

30% - Public Greeter

• Greet public at the entrance of the driveway or visitors' center to the Lick Observatory Main Building during evening events
• Ensure that visitors have tickets to the scheduled events
• Communicate with parking attendants using a 2-way radio
• Answer questions and provide general information to visitors
• Perform other related duties as assigned

5% - Event Clean Up

• Assist in cleaning and organizing event areas

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Good interpersonal skills sufficient to interact and work effectively & safely with fellow employees, astronomy staff, visitors and residents.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated related organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain acceptable work habits such as punctuality, and regularity of attendance.
• Ability to be adaptable, adjusting easily to new or changing circumstances.
• Ability to be a team player, and work well within a diverse group to achieve common goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience transporting and setting up stage and audio/visual equipment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to move materials weighing up to 50 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination