Lick Observatory Guide/Gift Shop Clerk

THIS POSITION IS BASED AT LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA (19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation)

The selected candidate will be required to work weekends and holidays (variable schedule).

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 Talent Acquisition website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 08-13-2024

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 performs guided tours and gift shop attendant duties at the Lick Observatory Visitors Center, located about 20 miles southeast of San Jose at 4,200 feet elevation. The Visitors Center is open to the public year-round and receives approximately 30,000 visitors per year.

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: Not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 15%, 6 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, as needed
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 06/30/2025, 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

50% - Tour Guide

• Conduct brief tours of main building and domes at Mount Hamilton Observing Station. Answer questions from the general public regarding history of the Observatory and provide general information to visitors.

50% - Gift Shop Cashier

• Sell various Lick Observatory souvenirs (post cards, photographs, posters, T-shirts, sweatshirts, books, etc.) and other items in the Gift Shop. Operate cash register, handle cash, prepare daily cash receipts, make change. Restock merchandise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Related customer service experience, preferably in a retail environment.
• Ability to provide pleasant, efficient service to th08-1e public.
• Ability to maintain efficient work habits, punctuality and regularity of attendance.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to operate a computerized cash register.
• Math skills sufficient to perform basic addition, subtraction and percentage calculations.
• Ability to balance daily cash receipts.
• Skill in speaking clearly, sufficient to meet the public.
• Ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to recall and retrieve information accurately.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of astronomy and telescopes.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a variable schedule that includes weekends and holidays.
• 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.

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.

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