Role Description: Dark Sky /Bayside Astronomy Program Manager
Type: summer job / summer student position ($15/hour, 30 hours per week)
Organization: Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association http://www.bpba.ca
Location: Lion’s Head (Northern Bruce Peninsula), Ontario
Deadline: please apply asap and not later than Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014
This is great opportunity for a student not only to preserve the
environment, but also deepen their knowledge of astronomy under the
mentorship of the dark sky community. The successful student will also
refine their
marketing skills under the guidance of a national level
marketing expert. Some basic knowledge and srong interest in
astrononomy and/or dark sky conservation is highly desirable. The
position is located in the Georgian Bay community of Lion’s Head where
we can assist you in finding suitable accommodations.
The Organization
The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) is a 10 year old
volunteer-based registered charity (http://www.bpba.ca). We build
community capacity and commitment to conservation and sustainable
economic development while completing concrete environmental projects.
The Northern Bruce Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of
rare species in all of Canada. It is also blessed with some of the
darkest skies in Southern Ontario and in 2004 declared itself a dark
sky community. A natural night sky is an important natural asset for
the region as many biological processes are light-triggered. Excess
artificial light interferes with these biological processes and harms
wildlife.
The Biosphere Association received a $35,000 Ontario Trillium
Foundation grant in 2011 to encourage our community to preserve the
natural night sky by using dark sky friendly lighting practices.
In 2012 we launched Bayside Astronomy Program to celebrate the natural
night sky and motivate people to preserve it. We constructed a viewing
platform in Lion’s Head, which is the site for the proposed Bayside
Astronomy Program. This project was led and funded by BPBA, Bruce
County and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
In its second year of operation, 2013, Bayside attracted 2,000 people
which is leading to star gazing becoming a major tourist attraction
for the area. We were even the subject of an article in the September
2013 issue of Air Canada’s En Route magazine, which is read by one
million people.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chair, Bruce Peninsula Biosphere
Association and the mentorship of the Dark Sky Committee, the Bayside
Astronomy Program Manager will:
• Deliver a Bayside Astronomy Program to the general public that
features summer evening events five nights a week, including:
• A tour of the night sky – featuring the major constellations and
planets and viewing of key objects, using the telescope at the viewing
platform
• An introduction to astral navigation and its link to the marine
cultural history of the area; namely, early Great Lakes shipping and
our 150 year old lighthouses
• Exploration of First Nation’s cultural history using stories based
on the night sky and
• Recitation of stories associated with the constellations.
• Develop a Complementary Conservation program that:
• Explains the three reasons why it is important to preserve the
natural night sky (dark sky), namely protection of wildlife, saving
energy, and safeguarding the cultural enjoyment of the wonder of a
star studded sky
• Explains principles of dark sky friendly lighting practices that
reduce light domes, unnecessary sky glow, light trespass and wasted
energy
• Discusses the features of dark sky friendly lighting and enables
participants from the public to identify dark sky friendly lighting
fixtures. (The use of motion sensors, timers, high pressure sodium
bulbs will also be discussed.)
• Develop and Implement a Marketing Program that:
• Includes weekly articles in the local newspaper of the featured
object (e.g. Saturn, the Moon, globular clusters) written in an
engaging manner that will create the desire to participate in the
program
• Uses social media to attract participation in the program (e.g.
maintain a Facebook page and Twitter presence)
• Includes liaison with Bruce County Tourism
• Ensures rack cards are maintained in tourist outlets
• Communicates with local businesses and the Bruce Peninsula Tourism
Association, Tobermory Chamber of Commerce and Lion’s Head Promotion
Group in a creative way (e.g. hold a special star gazing session for
them) to ensure they are aware of program, refer their clients and
have opportunity to provide suggestions to strengthen the program
• Introduces new outreach activities, such as to tour companies.
Program Delivery
Locations: Program delivery will be at the Lion’s Head viewing
platform on Friday and Saturday evening but also at three area
campgrounds during the week.
Hours: Program Delivery begins at dusk, so set up is 8:30 pm. It
concludes at midnight. Marketing activities are carried out during the
day at the convenience of the Program Manager.
Timeframe: The program will be offered during the months of July and
August. Employment is for 30 hours a week.
Mentorship and training: will be provided as required.
Transportation: The successful candidate will require access to a car
and a clean driving record.
Rate of Pay: $15/ hour (30 hours per week)
If you are interested, please apply immediately and not later than
Tuesday, June 3rd explaining why you are interested and suitable for
this position to:
Elizabeth Thorn
Chair, Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
ethorn124@gmail.com (please also send a copy to info@bpba.ca )
Phone: (519) 377-5166 or (519) 470-2736