Become a Dark Sky Ranger
Become a Freelance Dark Sky Ranger
As part of the on going development of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere there is an opportunity for 4 people to be trained to become Dark Sky Rangers.
Closing date 18th March 2015. For further information about this rare astronomical opportunity contact:
Chimwemwe on: 07467374963 or email chimwemwe@gsabiosphere.org.uk
Further Information
The Dark Sky Park was established in November 2009 and at that time it was only 1 of 5 such Parks in the world. Now with over 30 across the world astronomy is fast becoming one of the hottest ‘things to do’ for people on weekends or of an evening.
Galloway Forest Park runs a number of events through the 2 main visitor centres in the Dark Sky Park and gives talks to a varied number of groups across the region. However, this is not sustainable for the staff involved and does not meet the demand of the private sector. It has been proven through assessment that many private sector businesses such as hotels, B&B’s and campsites would like to run events but struggle to understand how to do it and what to do. As a result the Dark Sky Rangers will be trained to solve the problems, set up and run events and communicate about the wonders of the night sky. It will then be up to them to market themselves to the private sector as much as they are willing.
If you think you can communicate well then that is what we are looking for. We are not looking for astronomers we are looking for people who can bring a subject to life and explain in clear simple terms to visitors what a subject is about.
If you have some spare time and don’t mind going out at night and would like to earn a little extra cash then this might be just the challenge for you.
We will teach you the basics in astronomy from constellations to nebulae from the moon to Alpha century but you will be expected to do your own learning to advance your knowledge and therefore your ability. The season does not run just in winter. During the summer, solar observing and activities can also take place and this is an additional aspect that is worth reading up on.
We will teach you how to set up a dark sky event for all types of clients and how to customise an event to your own style. We will even put you in touch with many of the private businesses who have shown interest in running an event. There after it is up to you to work with the Dark Sky Park and Biosphere to promote yourself and build your client base.
As an additional skill we will also give you information about the new Biosphere and what it is doing and what it can do for the people living in the area. By adding this to talks it can add another dimension to the topic.
Training will take place as soon as possible with the aim to have training finalised by early autumn to allow you to run your first events supervised in October. The training will be fitted around those that make it through the process.
The training will be paid for through the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere project fund and will cover the training and associated costs. Applicants should be able to drive and have their own transport. Certain materials will be part of the package.
In return for this opportunity an agreement to run certain events will be made with each applicant to assist both the Dark Sky Park and Biosphere officers in their work.