Perth Observatory in Bickley is calling for volunteers passionate about astronomy to join ahead of interviews on September 23.

Perth Observatory employee and volunteer Matt Woods said the opportunity allowed people to get a taste of running an observatory and also provided the chance to make friends.

“It’s great because it’s such a large volunteer organisation,” he said.

“You get lots of people across the age specrum, creeds and there are men and women so you make a lot of friends there.”

New developments volunteers can get involved in at the observatory include the Perth sky sculpture park aiming to feature outdoor art trails set in the Bickley Valley.

“That’s going to be a really exciting thing which will allow us to be open on Saturdays as well as Sundays,” Mr Woods said.

“The observatory will have some nice new sculptures so that’s really exciting and I think there’s a lot of buzz in the Perth Hills for it as well.”

Mr Woods said volunteers could expect to make social connections and learn valuable skills that would be valuable in any field.

“A lot of it is about, from volunteers, it’s their social life, they make friends here,” he said.

“It’s about sharing their passion as well and also giving back to the community.

“With our night sky tours, we actually provide presentation training as well.

“For hosts and employees, the first aid training is free.

“It’s great for people, especially coming out of uni, where there are a lot of places and jobs asking for three or four years of experience.

“It’s always hard as a young person to try and get those years of experience but you can do that by volunteering.”

Mr Woods said volunteers are able to land a secure position to gain long-term experience and work flexible hours that suit them.

“However much they want to volunteer, it’s up to them,” he said.

“I’ve been here as a volunteer for 11 years and I’m now an employee coming up to nine years.

“There’s no limit on how much somebody can volunteer and we’ll take as much free time as people have.

“It’s seriously a great opportunity to meet some fantastic and passionate people and I’ve made lifelong friendships here.”

Expressions of interest can be made at the Perth Observatory website under get involved and become a volunteer.