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 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: 10-07-2025

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 Lick Observatory Public Education Manager, the incumbent performs guided tours and performs 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: $21.92 / 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: 15%, 6 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Monday-Sunday as needed
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 6/30/2026, 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

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, and make change.
• Restock merchandise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Related customer service experience, preferably in a retail environment.
• Ability to provide pleasant, efficient service to the 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.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a variable schedule that includes weekends and holidays.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• 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.

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.

• "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

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.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.