Grassroots Tourism Recovery: Empowering Communities to Rebuild Stronger
To engage both citizens and elected officials in rebuilding efforts after natural disasters, particularly in tourism-dependent areas like Western North Carolina, it is essential to activate grassroots involvement and foster local ownership of recovery strategies. One effective approach is to form tourism recovery task forces at the municipal or county level. These groups, composed of local business owners, nonprofit representatives, residents, and government staff, can develop immediate and long-term action plans that prioritize tourism infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement. By involving stakeholders from the outset, these groups can better align rebuilding objectives with the unique identity and strengths of the community.
These task forces should be empowered to conduct community forums and participatory planning sessions where residents can voice their priorities and offer solutions. In the case of Western North Carolina, such forums could focus on restoring trail systems, rebuilding visitor centers, and reestablishing key events that drive seasonal tourism. Facilitating public input not only improves the relevance of recovery plans but also enhances transparency and trust in local government. Municipal leaders should ensure that these events are well-publicized and accessible, with multilingual materials and inclusive facilitation techniques to capture a wide range of perspectives.
Leveraging Local Fundraising and Budget Reallocation
Grassroots fundraising can be a powerful tool when federal or state disaster relief funds are delayed or insufficient. Municipal governments can support local fundraising campaigns by offering in-kind resources such as public space for events, promotional support through city communication channels, and staff assistance in navigating permitting processes. Collaborating with local chambers of commerce, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and community foundations can amplify fundraising efforts and ensure funds are used effectively. For example, the town of Lyons, Colorado, raised over $1 million from community-based efforts following the 2013 floods, which helped restore parks and recreation assets vital to its tourism economy^1.
At the same time, municipalities should conduct an internal review of current budget allocations to identify discretionary line items that can be redirected toward tourism recovery. This might include temporarily postponing capital projects or reallocating funds from administrative overhead to frontline tourism services, such as staffing visitor centers or maintaining trails. Transparent communication with the public and elected officials about these reallocations is critical to maintaining trust and ensuring accountability. Budget narrative adjustments can clarify how temporary reallocation supports broader community resilience and economic revitalization.
Stimulating Volunteerism and Local Stewardship
Volunteer-driven tourism initiatives can serve as a catalyst for recovery while strengthening civic engagement. Municipalities should consider establishing or enhancing volunteer coordination programs that focus on tourism-related activities, such as trail maintenance, event staffing, or historical site restoration. These efforts not only reduce labor costs but also foster a sense of shared responsibility among residents and visitors. For instance, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has successfully engaged volunteers in maintaining parkway amenities, which directly supports tourism by keeping key assets in good condition^2.
Creating a branded “Tourism Recovery Volunteer Corps” can attract both local and visiting participants, especially if tied to specific recovery milestones or themed weekends. Municipal leaders can recognize these efforts publicly through proclamations, event signage, or digital storytelling, reinforcing the value of grassroots contributions. These programs also help build resilience by establishing a standing network of volunteers who can be mobilized quickly in future emergencies. Training and equipping volunteers with basic tools and safety protocols should be integrated into program design to ensure both effectiveness and sustainability.
Repositioning Tourism Messaging to Reflect Resilience
Rebuilding efforts should be accompanied by strategic messaging that invites visitors to support recovery by choosing to travel to affected areas. Municipal governments and their tourism partners must collaborate to update destination marketing campaigns with themes of resilience, community strength, and authenticity. This approach has been used effectively in locations like Puerto Rico and New Orleans, where tourism leaders emphasized both the destination’s recovery and the visitor’s role in supporting it^3. Messaging should be sensitive to ongoing struggles while highlighting open attractions, restored amenities, and opportunities to give back through voluntourism.
Municipalities can also encourage DMOs to work with travel influencers, local artists, and community leaders to share recovery stories through blogs, social media, and video content. Highlighting the stories of local business owners, artisans, and guides who are rebuilding can humanize the destination and create emotional connections with potential visitors. These narratives should be coordinated with regional and state tourism offices to ensure consistency and maximize reach. Integrating QR codes or web links into signage around the community can direct visitors to recovery updates and donation opportunities, adding a digital layer to grassroots fundraising.
Strengthening Partnerships with the Private Sector
Private sector partnerships are essential to successful tourism recovery at the local level. Municipalities should proactively engage hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and artisans in coordinated recovery strategies. This can include co-hosted fundraising events, matching donation programs, or collaborative marketing efforts that share the cost and workload of attracting visitors. Hospitality and tourism businesses often have their own customer databases and marketing platforms, which can be leveraged to spread recovery messaging and solicit support. In Western North Carolina, for example, breweries and outdoor gear shops are well-positioned to serve as tourism ambassadors and recovery champions.
Additionally, public-private partnerships can assist with infrastructure restoration. Municipalities can explore joint investment opportunities for rebuilding trails, signage, and access points that benefit both residents and visitors. Offering naming rights or sponsorship recognition for restored tourism assets can incentivize private sector contributions. These arrangements should be formalized through memoranda of understanding or cooperative agreements to ensure clarity of roles, timelines, and maintenance responsibilities. By aligning business interests with community needs, municipalities can strengthen local economies while expediting tourism recovery.
Developing Resilience Plans for Future Tourism Challenges
While immediate recovery is critical, municipalities must also develop long-term tourism resilience plans to prepare for future disruptions. Such plans should identify vulnerable tourism assets, outline emergency communication protocols, and establish contingency strategies for marketing, staffing, and infrastructure continuity. These plans should be integrated into broader municipal emergency management frameworks and updated regularly with input from tourism stakeholders. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends place-based resilience planning that incorporates climate projections and local economic dependencies, which is especially relevant for tourism-dependent communities^4.
Investing in climate-resilient tourism infrastructure is another practical step. This might include elevating visitor centers in flood-prone areas, using permeable materials for parking lots and trails, or installing energy-efficient systems in public lodging facilities. Municipalities should also consider diversifying their tourism offerings to reduce seasonal and economic vulnerabilities. For example, developing cultural tourism assets or wellness retreats can attract different visitor segments and extend the season. By embedding resilience into every layer of tourism planning, municipal leaders can safeguard their communities while enhancing long-term competitiveness.
Conclusion: Sustaining Momentum through Local Leadership
Rebuilding tourism in communities like Western North Carolina requires more than infrastructure repair; it demands sustained local leadership, community buy-in, and strategic partnerships. Municipal governments are uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, allocate resources, and create the conditions for grassroots recovery to thrive. By enabling local participation, leveraging public and private assets, and promoting tourism as a shared economic engine, municipalities can transform adversity into opportunity. The lessons learned during this process can serve as a foundation for more resilient, inclusive, and adaptive tourism systems in the future.
As recovery progresses, municipal leaders must continue to monitor outcomes, celebrate milestones, and adjust strategies based on community feedback and tourism data. Ongoing evaluation, transparent communication, and shared ownership will ensure that tourism not only rebounds but evolves in ways that reflect the values and aspirations of the communities it supports.
Bibliography
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “Colorado Resiliency Framework.” Denver: State of Colorado, 2015.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “Volunteer Programs.” Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.brpfoundation.org/volunteer.
New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. “Rebuilding and Rebranding Post-Katrina.” New Orleans: NOTMC, 2018.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “What is Resilience?” Climate.gov. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/what-resilience.
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ABOUT THE ROLE This position is assigned to the Resource service pathway under the general direction of the building principal or program manager. The Special Education Teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment, establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students based on District guidelines and special education regulations, and provides instruction, counseling, discipline, and supervision to meet the individual needs of assigned students while evaluating student performance and progress. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Foster an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned special education students. - Plan instructional programs and prepare individual student lesson plans designed to meet individual needs, adapting and modifying programs as necessary. - Use necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the well-being of the students and the nature of the learning activities. - Implement established program or curriculum objectives adapted for the student population. - Attend in-service training and continue professional growth to remain current in special education instruction methods. - Establish and implement positive and supportive classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct. - Provide guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage students to meet standards of achievement and conduct. - Confer with students, parents, guardians, specialists, and staff to maintain positive relationships, provide guidance, and encourage student achievement. - Establish classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education student population and their individual education programs in conformance with State and District guidelines. - Evaluate and record student progress and prepare reports for parents or guardians. - Direct the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel and attend to or direct staff to attend to the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students. - Collect and interpret data to develop, implement, and evaluate individual education plans and provide reports for administrative purposes. - Attend required staff meetings, professional development, and serve on staff committees. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree. - Academic preparation for or experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system. - Academic preparation for or experience in teaching reading and adapting instructional techniques and practices for special education students. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement. - Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification. - Some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license or a class II driver's license. - Knowledge of subject areas appropriate to assignment, effective behavior management techniques, and rules and regulations governing special education. - Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications. - Ability to deal with students in a positive manner, manage student behavior, and maintain a safe learning environment. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates will be evaluated based on their education, professional experience with diverse student populations and special education, and alignment with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the Resource service pathway. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official Seattle Public Schools job portal. - Ensure all educational and professional experience details, including certification information, are accurately reflected in the application materials. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Seattle Public Schools - Department: Bailey Gatzert Elementary - Job Number: 26888 - Job Type: Part-Time - FTE: 0.5 - Subject Area: Special Education - Elementary - Location: Bailey Gatzert Elementary, WA - Reports to: Building Principal - Opening Date: 07/28/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Working Conditions: Required to deal with a wide range of student achievement, behavior, and disabilities; handle multiple tasks simultaneously; may experience frequent interruptions; potential exposure to infectious diseases or bodily fluids; may require specific physical stamina, positioning, or lifting of students or equipment.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) is seeking an Event Coordinator to provide event management services for internal and smaller meetings, as well as administrative assistance to the Sales and Services department. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Convention Services, this role involves logistical planning for event execution, client communication, and supporting sales and convention services managers. This is a non-civil service position offering the opportunity to work in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere while serving the citizens of Baltimore. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Event Management - Provide logistical planning and event coverage for internal events, small one-day events, multi-day events, and events occurring in conjunction with larger conventions - Provide back-up event coverage and assistance to Convention Services Managers (CSMs) as assigned - Assist with conducting facility tours for groups and interested parties - Implement event-related planning, scheduling, and sending client reminder notices - Assist with pre- and post-event walkthroughs - Communicate with clients on behalf of Convention Services Managers - Complete and disseminate information to proper internal and external departments Administrative Support - Coordinate Fire Marshall sign-off on floor plans - Assist with coordinating meeting room arrangements for internal meetings - Assist with creating amenity packages for clients and tracking related inventory - Research events for Sales Managers and Convention Services Managers as needed - Assist with developing diagrams for Sales and Convention Services Managers - Create, prepare, and distribute weekly and monthly reports - Compile event coverage schedules and times for service partners, managers, supervisors, and technicians - Create and prepare materials and presentations for site tours and pre-convention meetings - Perform other administrative functions for the department as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: - A bachelor’s degree in business management, facility management, hospitality, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: - One year of experience in event management, business management, facility management, hospitality, or a related field. Equivalency: - Commensurate experience in areas such as coordinating meetings or conferences, supporting large-scale events, working in venue or facility operations, or providing customer service in a hospitality environment may substitute for the formal education requirements. PREFERRED SKILLS - Experience in event management within the hospitality industry - Knowledge of standard business operating systems and software (Windows) - Knowledge of web-based applications (specifically Momentus and Event Draw) - Strong oral and written communication skills - Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers and clients - Ability to work flexible schedules and shift arrangements as determined by events - Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Non-Civil Service Position - Background Check: Eligible candidates under final consideration must complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening. - Probation: All selected persons must complete a 6-month mandatory probation. - Schedule: Must be able to work flexible schedules and shifts based on event needs. SELECTION PROCESS - Application review based on minimum qualifications. - Standard City of Baltimore hiring procedures apply. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Baltimore careers portal. - Job Requisition ID: R0018397 - Application Deadline: October 13, 2026 - Questions: Contact the Department of Human Resources Office of Recruitment at (410) 396-3860 or via email. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Baltimore Convention Center (Sales and Services) - Location: Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD - Type: Full-Time - Benefits: Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, FSA plans, wellness programs, support groups, and workshops.
ABOUT THE ROLE A Recreation Leader II assists the Recreation Center Director in coordinating, planning, administrating, supervising, and conducting recreational and cultural programs at a recreation center and/or pool. The role involves some supervisory duties and requires working a conventional workweek that includes evening and weekend hours. Work is performed in recreation centers, athletic fields, and other facilities where inclement weather may be encountered, requiring moderate physical exertion. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Assist in coordinating, planning, administrating, supervising, and conducting recreational and cultural programs. - Plan and organize recreational activities for large groups of people. - Maintain discipline and order during programs and events. - Maintain accurate records of activities, attendance, and program details. - Utilize and care for recreational equipment properly. - Apply knowledge of the rules and regulations of a wide variety of sports, games, and recreational activities. - Apply basic first-aid techniques when necessary. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate AND three years of experience in leading recreation activities. - OR Equivalency: Six months of additional experience in leading recreational activities may be substituted for each year of the high school requirement. - OR Equivalency: A bachelor's degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience requirement. - Applicants' education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained outside the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must successfully complete a mandatory six-month probation period. - Eligible candidates under final consideration for positions of trust must complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or fingerprinting. - Must possess knowledge of basic first-aid techniques and the rules of various sports and games. SELECTION PROCESS - All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. - The examination consists of a rating of education, training, and experience as presented on the application. - Training and experience are evaluated for appropriateness and quantity; qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order. - Supplemental questions may be required to further examine specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise for a period of at least six months. HOW TO APPLY - Submit your application no later than 12:00 AM on August 25, 2026, to be eligible for consideration. - Provide complete and accurate information on your application, as vagueness or omission may prevent consideration. - For questions, contact Maya McEachern, HR Specialist II, via email at Maya.Mceachern@baltimorecity.gov. - Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly and must not attach the accommodation request to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Department of Recreation & Parks - Location: 3001 East Drive and various recreation centers and athletic fields - Time Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: R0018915 - Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, FSA plans, wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. - The City of Baltimore is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ABOUT THE ROLE Supports the Director of Production Services in overseeing technical operations, staff management, and production planning across all Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) venues, including the Robinson Center, Statehouse Convention Center, and First Security Amphitheater. The role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of live events and productions by managing daily operations, mentoring staff, and implementing departmental strategies and standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee technical operations, staff management, and production planning across LRCVB venues. - Ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of live events and productions. - Manage daily operations and mentor production staff. - Implement and maintain departmental strategies, policies, and operational standards. - Serve as Essential Personnel under the LRCVB Inclement Weather policy. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Live Event Production, Fine Arts, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). - Four (4) years of progressive experience in live event production, broadcasting, performing arts, or a related area. - Two (2) years of supervisory experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver's License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment. - Must show proof of valid automobile insurance before being approved to drive any LRCVB vehicle. - Must be available to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as required. - This is a Safety-Sensitive Job for purposes of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment. - This position is considered Essential Personnel under the LRCVB Inclement Weather policy. SELECTION PROCESS - Applicant answers to supplemental questions will be used to screen for minimum qualifications electronically. - The position may require one or more pre-employment screenings, including a drug and alcohol screening or a background investigation. - A list of qualified applicants will be considered active for up to six (6) months and may be used to fill future openings with the same or similar minimum qualifications. HOW TO APPLY - Online applications only via the Careers/LittleRock account. - Applicants must include a complete work history, which may impact the initial salary offer amount for the successful candidate. - All communication regarding application status will be sent to candidates via the text message or email address listed on their account. - Applicants may check their application status by logging into their Careers/LittleRock account or by contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if experiencing computer difficulties. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR - Job Type: Full Time - Regular Position - Job Number: CVB-2026-07 - Department: Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau - Division: Operations - Opening Date: 07/23/2026 - Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Central - FLSA Status: Exempt - Bargaining Unit: LRCVB - Supervisory Responsibility: Yes - Employer: City of Little Rock
ABOUT THE ROLE This role patrols touring-related areas to identify code violations regarding property, horse-drawn carriages, tour buses, tour coaches, and walking tours. The officer issues citations, responds to citizen inquiries, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with City tourism and livability ordinances. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Issue citations and Livability ordinance summons for violations of the tourism ordinance - Respond to citizen inquiries regarding the tourism industry - Conduct inspections to ensure that tour vehicles are properly permitted - Patrol residential and commercial areas on bicycle to identify tourism and code violations - Inspect horse-drawn carriages and carriage operators to ensure compliance with City tourism ordinances - Respond to calls for tourism and code enforcement assistance from the Fire Department, Police Department, Building Official, and other agencies - Refer cases to the Livability court, issue summonses to code violators, and provide court testimony as necessary - Follow up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes - Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment - Prepare and process inspection reports, summonses, citations, and various other records and correspondences MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Associate's Degree (AA/AS) and 6 months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and training. 2. Valid state-issued driver's license. 3. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar software. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled - In the event of major storms or other emergency situations, this position may be subject to 24-hour shifts or any other emergency schedule necessary to meet the City's needs - Ability to patrol residential and commercial areas on a bicycle - Ability to testify in Livability court and issue legal summonses SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Review: Evaluation of the submitted application to ensure minimum qualifications are met. 2. Interview and Assessment: Standard City of Charleston hiring procedures to assess code enforcement, investigative, and public interaction skills. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit a completed online application through the official City of Charleston careers portal. 2. Ensure all relevant experience, education, and technical skills are clearly detailed in your application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Charleston - Work Schedule: May require evenings, weekends, and holidays; subject to emergency shifts during major storms - Work Environment: Field-based, patrolling on bicycle and in vehicles throughout residential and commercial areas - Benefits: Not specified in the posting - Equal Employment Opportunity: The City of Charleston is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity as a fundamental policy implemented and observed in daily operations.
ABOUT THE ROLE The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is hiring hundreds of temporary positions to ensure the success of the 2026 New York State Fair, running from August 26th to September 7th. This annual 13-day event preserves and promotes New York's agricultural heritage, showcasing livestock, produce, and youth competitions. Temporary employees are vital to the execution of the Fair, with many roles involving active outdoor work in various weather conditions across multiple departments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities vary by department, including: - Agriculture: Clean barns and tend to animals in poultry, rabbit, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and horse departments. - Guest Relations and Ticket Takers: Welcome guests, provide facility information, and scan tickets at entry points. - Safety: Assist guests while following all safety protocols. - Bag Check: Guard entry points, verify visitor credentials, and check bags. - Chevy Security: Perform security services at Chevy Court and Suburban Park concert locations. - Tram Conductor: Assist passengers on and off perimeter trams. - Tram Driver: Safely transport passengers on a truck-pulled wagon to and from tram stops. - Sensory Room: Monitor and assist guests in inclusive sensory programming areas, warmly interacting with guests who may have sensory-processing differences, autism, PTSD, or other conditions. - State Fair Merchandise Truck: Operate POS systems, collect payments, maintain inventory, and keep merchandise clean and stocked. - Camping: Assist with campground operations, verify guest credentials, and provide directions. - Potato Booth: Bake potatoes, prepare toppings, maintain a clean environment, provide customer service, and handle cash transactions. - Events: Manage logistics of special events, greet and host entertainment, speak to large groups, and complete event paperwork. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications vary by the specific role applied for. General eligibility is required, with specific roles requiring: - CDL Class B License with a "P" Endorsement (Tram Driver) - 8-hour security course completion, unexpired security guard license, active military membership, or active/retired police officer status (Bag Check) - 16-hour New York State Security Guard License, active military membership, or active/retired police officer status (Chevy Security) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to work actively outdoors in various weather conditions. - Some positions require additional credentials or licenses as noted in the minimum qualifications. - Some positions may require a background check to verify identity. SELECTION PROCESS - Review of the online application and uploaded resume. HOW TO APPLY - Copy and paste the application link into a web browser to apply online. - Upload a resume within the online application. - Application Link: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/SubmitResume.action?clientId=8a7883d07a219b0d017a53a2e3bb0f9a&id=8a78859f9d4aea0c019d632817d30ca9&specialization= - For questions, contact Lauren Denny in Human Resources at (315) 728-4254 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: Department of Agriculture & Markets - Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary - Bargaining Unit: OSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA) - Jurisdictional Class: Labor Class - Schedule: Variable workweek, 40 hours per week, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM - Location: 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209 (Onondaga County) - Travel Percentage: 0% - Flextime, Mandatory Overtime, Compressed Workweek, and Telecommuting: Not allowed - Applications Due: September 7, 2026 - Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.
ABOUT THE ROLE - This is an intermittent, on-call position with no guaranteed minimum hours - Work schedules are directly tied to Seattle Center event schedules, meaning hours will vary across days, evenings, holidays, and weekends - Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of Seattle, home to over 30 partner organizations and world-class attractions KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide information about parking, events, and facilities to patrons - Sell parking and make change accurately and quickly - Prepare and submit bank deposit paperwork - Greet patrons in a friendly and welcoming manner - Enforce facility rules and regulations - Prepare the facility for daily operations by setting up appropriate signage - Check the facility for vandalism and pick up trash MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A minimum of six months of customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Current Washington Driver's License and an excellent driving record - Personally owned and insured vehicle for use during work - Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, including holidays, days, afternoons, evenings, and weekends - Availability to work 180 hours annually, including 45 hours in each calendar quarter - Must be available during major busy events such as Bumbershoot, Folklife, Bite of Seattle, and all holidays including New Year's Eve - Proven experience serving a diverse customer base with friendly, respectful, and courteous communication skills - Ability to make change quickly and accurately - Experience working in a public parking facility is a plus - Must be willing and able to lift and move up to 40 pounds - Must be able to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods - Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and around cars in traffic and exhaust fumes SELECTION PROCESS - Blind screening process for cover letters and resumes to remove personal identifiers - Driving record check requiring a current, full driving abstract from the Department of Licensing that meets safety standards - Pre-employment physical examination - Background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance HOW TO APPLY - Submit your application before 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - Ensure all relevant information is included directly in the application - Do not write "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" as this will result in an incomplete and rejected application - Submit cover letters and resumes without personal identifiers to align with the blind screening process EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Temporary - Non-Benefit Eligible - Department: Seattle Center - Job Number: 2026-01092 - Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA - Employer: City of Seattle
ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Department of Human and Cultural Services Director for the City of Jackson, the Planetarium Manager serves as the face and primary marketer for the McNair-Davis Planetarium. This role provides overall leadership and management, overseeing daily operations, developing innovative educational programs, managing staff and volunteers, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering community partnerships to promote science education and downtown economic development. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement engaging educational and entertainment programs for diverse audiences, including school groups and the public. - Oversee daily operations of the planetarium and astronomy center, including scheduling, staffing, facility upkeep, and visitor safety. - Manage the budget for planetarium, exhibit operations, and the gift shop to ensure financial objectives are met. - Supervise, mentor, and cross-train full-time and part-time staff and volunteers. - Develop and execute outreach programs in collaboration with local schools, universities, and community organizations. - Promote the planetarium through social media, websites, and local media as an economic development tool. - Identify grant opportunities and implement fundraising campaigns to support programs and capital improvements. - Conduct research on best practices in informal planetarium education and explore new technologies and interactive exhibits. - Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of planetarium and exhibit equipment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Science Education, or a closely related field. - Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in planetarium operations and management. - In-depth knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. - Strong understanding of planetarium technologies, including digital projectors, operating systems, lighting, audio, and special effects. - Proficiency in using planetarium software and equipment. - Experience in developing and delivering engaging educational programs and entertainment productions. - Experience managing staff and volunteers. - Experience in grant writing and fundraising. - Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to work 40 hours per week on-site, including weekends and evenings. - Willingness to work a rotating schedule, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with at least one week every two months working Wednesday through Sunday, including evening shifts. - Ability to cross-train, collaborate with, and occasionally supervise or substitute for part-time weekend and evening staff. SELECTION PROCESS - Not specified in the provided job description. HOW TO APPLY - Application details are available on the City Website. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: City of Jackson, Department of Human and Cultural Services - Location: McNair-Davis Planetarium/Space Theater, Jackson, MS - Position: 10110001 - Code: 424-3 - Type: Internal and External - Group: Human and Cultural Services - Posting Start: 02/02/2026 - Posting End: 05/31/9999 - Benefits: Health insurance and paid yearly vacation and sick leave, details to be determined.