Stargazing Guide English / Mandari

About Us

Chameleon Stargazing is a stargazing tour company based in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. We are passionate about astronomy, science communication, and sharing the wonders of the southern night sky with visitors from around the world. Our mission is to create unforgettable stargazing experiences while inspiring people to appreciate and protect our dark skies.

We are looking to recruit two enthusiastic Stargazing Guides: one to join our Mandarin-speaking team and another to join our English-speaking team. Applicants should have strong communication skills in the relevant language and enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with guests from around the world. No previous astronomy experience is required, as training will be provided.

Job Description

As a Stargazing Guide, you will lead guests on engaging stargazing tours, introducing them to the wonders of the night sky and helping them develop a greater appreciation of astronomy. You will use telescopes to show guests celestial objects while providing an enjoyable, informative and safe experience.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, is interested in learning about astronomy, and can communicate information in an engaging and accessible way either in English or Mandarin Chinese.

Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours per week.

Working hours: The role primarily involves evening and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays as required by the roster. Working hours may vary depending on the season, tour schedule and weather conditions.

Key Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

As a Stargazing Guide, your responsibilities will include:

Conduct stargazing tours: Welcome guests and lead groups through engaging and informative tours of the southern night sky. Explain astronomy: Introduce guests to stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and other celestial objects, making scientific concepts accessible to people with different levels of knowledge. Operate astronomical equipment: Set up, operate and pack down telescopes and other equipment, helping guests observe celestial objects and answering questions about what they see. Deliver excellent guest experiences: Communicate clearly, respond to guest questions, and create a friendly, welcoming and memorable experience for visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds. Maintain guest safety: Follow health and safety procedures, provide safety instructions, monitor guests during tours, and report any hazards or incidents. Maintain equipment and facilities: Handle telescopes and other equipment carefully, keep the tour site tidy, and report equipment issues or maintenance needs. Assist with administrative tasks: Respond to guest emails and enquiries, update booking information where required, and complete other routine administrative duties. Support the team: Work collaboratively with colleagues, attend training sessions, and contribute to the smooth running of daily operations. Promote astronomy and dark-sky awareness: Help guests understand the importance of protecting the night sky and reducing light pollution.

Minimum Skills, Experience and Qualifications

No previous experience or formal qualifications are required. Training will be provided.

We are looking for someone who has:

Good communication skills and the ability to explain information clearly. A friendly, approachable and customer-focused attitude. A willingness to learn about astronomy and operate telescopes and other equipment. The ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required. Reliability, initiative and a responsible approach to work. The ability to work evening and night shifts and outdoors in cold conditions. The ability to assist with setting up, moving and packing down equipment safely.

A background in science, education or communication would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Strong English communication skills are important for delivering tours in English, and Mandarin Chinese language skills are essential for communicating with Mandarin-speaking guests.

Benefits Competitive pay. A minimum of 30 guaranteed working hours per week. Training and ongoing support in astronomy, telescope operation and tour guiding. The opportunity to work under the spectacular night skies of Lake Tekapo, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The chance to meet and interact with visitors from around the world. The opportunity to develop communication, public speaking, customer service and science communication skills. The opportunity to contribute to science education and dark-sky awareness.

How to Apply

If you are excited about sharing the wonders of the universe with others and would like to join our team, please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to our email address