Observatory Support Associate (Safford, AZ) at University of Arizona
Safford, Arizona, USA -
Full Time


Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Dec, 25

Salary

85393.0

Posted On

04 Sep, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

No

Skills

Communication Skills

Industry

Other Industry

Description

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Extensive knowledge of telescope operation principles and practical considerations.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented in execution of tasks.
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a team.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Candidate must be able to perform duties at an altitude of 10,500 feet and travel up and down the mountain for their shift.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • The position is based in Safford, AZ with regular work at the high-altitude Mt Graham telescope site required.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Responsibilities
  • Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the Large Binocular Telescope on Mt Graham during the night for engineering, science operations, and international partner observing.
  • Execute telescope start-up procedures at evening twilight and shutdown procedures at morning twilight.
  • Liaise with LBT service observers and/or partner observer scientists to efficiently collect world-class astronomical data.
  • Identify improvements to observing efficiency.
  • Be responsible on a nightly basis for the safety of personnel and equipment.
  • Serve as mountain safety officer during night operation.
  • Inspect premises to identify situations potentially dangerous or injurious to personnel or equipment; make real-time decisions regarding operation of the telescope and facility and its protection from adverse conditions.
  • Control access to the observing floor and the telescope.
  • Respond to emergency situations and provide first aid as needed.
  • Configure and operate the LBTO guiding, active optics, and adaptive optics systems.
  • In consultation with the observers, monitor real-time LBTO image quality and telescope performance.
  • Advise observers / scientists on feasibility of specific types of observations based on these parameters.
  • Monitor observing weather stations, including wind velocity, humidity and amount of dust present.
  • Decide if weather conditions permit safe operation of the telescope in consultation with observers and technical personnel.
  • Respond to real-time changes in weather conditions.
  • Advise observers on strategies to adapt programs to increase feasibility in light of environmental conditions.
  • Prepare nightly and end-of-shift operational log reports.
  • Serve as a high-level resource on telescope performance and notify appropriate personnel of malfunctions of equipment or opportunities for improvement.
  • Perform corrective actions in consultation with other observatory personnel.
  • Maintain good communication with daytime mountain staff members on operational issues.
  • Attend daily observatory-wide telescope planning meetings on-shift and provide technical input and guidance.
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