Facebook Pixel WKU Hardin Planetarium | Volunteering | Western Kentucky University

VOLUNTEER AT THE HARDIN PLANETARIUM


 

We are looking for:

  • teenagers needing community service hours for club requirements
  • university members requiring community service hours
  • seniors, retirees, or anyone looking for second careers
  • adults who love to put their spare time to good use
 

Our Expectations:

  • Attend the training required for your assignment
  • Follow all procedures
  • Maintain your agreed-upon volunteer schedule
  • Arrive on time, ready, and dressed for your task
  • Wear your mask, badge, and vest while volunteering
  • Provide three days notice if you are unable to volunteer
  • After completing assignments notify that you need more tasks
  • Ask questions if you are not sure of any aspect of your work
  • Do not use cell phones/personal electronics during your shift
  • Treat this as seriously as a job

 

 

icon representing a handWe provide Volunteer Training in stages, and it will include COVID safety.. Most volunteers start as Audience Assistants (the first listed in the below section). Volunteers who demonstrate responsibility and aptitude may be trained for other positions.

 

 

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Audience Assistant:

Greeting, welcoming, and interpreting museum exhibits for visitors; giving support to presenters during free public shows

Daytime Assistant:

Help with the daily operation of the Planetarium, supporting presenters during free school shows; greeting, and interpreting Ring Museum exhibits for visitors; and working the office

Tech Operator:

Run technical equipment during shows, operate the digital star computer, the sound system, the Star Chamber lighting, and the central console computer

Production Assistant:

Help in developing new shows, and create new scripts for existing shows.

Presenter:

Delivering our shows to the public and school audiences.

Specialists and General Helpers:

Occasional help with specific tasks like designing exhibits, installing new technical equipment, or just getting ready for a big event

 

 

DETAILED INFORMATION

A much more detailed explanation of the above (and the below) can be found on our downloadable Volunteer Handbook linked below. Ultimately, you will still use the YourVolunteers link in the below section when you are finished preparing.

» Volunteer Handbook (PDF)

 

 

I AM READY TO VOLUNTEER!

YourVolunteers button

  1. Click the image on the left (it's a link) and create a login and password
  2. Email us at hardin.planetarium@wku.edu

We provide training sessions on an ongoing basis. If you would like to be a part of the volunteer staff, but are not able to participate immediately, email us anyway so we can keep in touch.

 

 

Public Parking:

Overhead parking map around the planetarium


1) Along State Street

2) Two spots in the lot between Ogden College Hall and Kelly Thompson Hall

3) College Hill Lot, up College Heights Blvd. on the right

4) Chestnut Street North Lot, at the corner of Chestnut and 14th Ave, two blocks from the Planetarium

 

Bus Unloading:

» Download the bus unloading map (PDF)

 

Icon representing handicapped ParkingWheelchair Accessibility: A ramp from State St. provides access to the building's main floor. The below lots are only available on weekends or after 4:30 PM.

1) Two spots in a tiny lot behind the building, at the end of a driveway from State St. That lot is lower than the building, so it is an uphill climb.

2) Three spots in the lot between Ogden College Hall and Kelly Thompson Hall.

3) The large parking lots on top of College Heights Blvd. The path from there is down hill.


Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 7/31/20