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.

• 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.