Volunteers
Join TSP Volunteers Today!
We can’t survive without the help of volunteers! TSP is very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers to help us operate from year to year. Be a part of our continuing tradition as one of the largest observing conferences in the world!
Each year it takes between 50-70 volunteers to make things happen. Some of us become experts and reliably repeat our particular task from year to year. Others just volunteer during the current TSP week, and enjoy helping out for just a few hours.
How Can I Help as a TSP Volunteer?
Click on the position title, to send an e-mail to the coordinator. Your assignment is not automatic. You will hear from the coordinator first.
(Note that positions without links are presently filled.)
- Walk-thru inspection team (2 people) Walk thru TSP fields on first two observing nights (about 2 hours each). Clear upper field drivethru of cars; inspect for darkout on buildings, including Ranch office area, RVs; limit over-bright computer screens. [includes training and high authority for enforcement]. This position includes additional fringe benefits.
- Dark-Out Team
1st-Sunday 1:30-5 PM: Assist with putting foil on windows and deploying red light bulbs. (15 people)
2nd-Sunday 9 AM-12 Noon: Assist with removing foil, and recovering red light bulbs. (8 people) - >Power Grid team
1st-Saturday(before TSP starts) Noon-5 PM: Assist with laying out power wires in observing fields. (4 people)
2nd-Sunday 7 AM-10 AM: Assist with coiling up power wires. (4 people) - Stairs Safety Lighting team (1 person plus trainer)
1st-Saturday(before TSP starts) 3 PM: assist with installing safety lighting on two stairs at main field (2 hours)
2nd Sunday 9-10 AM: assist with coiling up safety lighting on two stairs at main field (1 hour) - Chalk Lines and Markings team
1st-Saturday(before TSP starts) 12 Noon-2 PM
(trainee) Assist with marking Upper Field (roadway, stair pathways, camping zones) - Front Gate team (throughout TSP week) (8 people)
Assist with greeting attendees, screening our sightseers, gate-checkin, giving directions
Two or more 4 hour shifts, usually in afternoons
Your request MUST be received at least 3 weeks before TSP. We will contact you about 6 weeks before TSP.
(1-2 of the Sunday slots qualify for early arrival at TSP on Saturday) - Registration Desk team (16 people)
Monday afternoon and 1 hour in late afternoon all other days - Program teams (throughout TSP week)
Assist with ATM, Observing, and Astrophotography Contests: (trainee positions) Assist gathering forms, working with judges, assembling results for presentation on Friday or Saturday night - Group Photo (1 person)
(trainee) Friday 1-2 PM. Requires working from heights (roof). Bring your own camera/tripod.
Post-process work: print photo copies, package in envelope, and mail (50-80 pix) - Staff/Team Leads (long-term positions)
You can contribute to the longevity and continued success of TSP!
TSP is interested in folks who are willing to serve in leadership and advisory positions.
Stability is an important factor in repeating a successful event, so qualified individuals are greatly needed for 2-3 or more years.
Contact us and let us know what you would like to do, or just let us know more about your qualifications!
Requests to serve on the TSP Board of Directors will also be considered.
When you contact us, be sure to let us know whether you are interested in helping just this year, or if you’d like to join our staff permanently!
Some positions may qualify you for early-arrival on the Saturday before TSP starts! You will be approved for early-arrival only if your request is accepted by the coordinator.