Job description
The
Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University is seeking a Chief Telescope Technician at the Sunspot Solar Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico.
Working at Sunspot Solar Observatory, employees have the opportunity to lead/participate in research on the telescopes, tuition waivers to take classes at NMSU, or attend/present at conferences for professional development. We strive to hire the best possible candidates and feel we offer competitive salaries within university-oriented astronomical research.
This remote location is 1.5 hours from NMSU, located in the Lincoln National Forest 16 miles from the village of Cloudcroft, NM. The observatory sits on a ridge overlooking White Sands National Park, White Sands Missile Test Range and Alamogordo, NM with great seeing, dark skies, wide field optical/infrared imaging and spectroscopy.
NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant institution, a comprehensive research institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach.
We invite you to take the first step to your successful and rewarding career by applying today!
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Working at Sunspot Solar Observatory, employees have the opportunity to lead/participate in research on the telescopes, tuition waivers to take classes at NMSU, or attend/present at conferences for professional development. We strive to hire the best possible candidates and feel we offer competitive salaries within university-oriented astronomical research.
This remote location is 1.5 hours from NMSU, located in the Lincoln National Forest 16 miles from the village of Cloudcroft, NM. The observatory sits on a ridge overlooking White Sands National Park, White Sands Missile Test Range and Alamogordo, NM with great seeing, dark skies, wide field optical/infrared imaging and spectroscopy.
NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant institution, a comprehensive research institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach.
We invite you to take the first step to your successful and rewarding career by applying today!
Responsible for the maintenance and operations of Dunn Solar telescope facility. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work.
Supervise, direct, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opto- mechanical systems for complex telescope systems, including interfaces and scientific instruments. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies. Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Director of Operations. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects. Working closely with partners, coordinate daily observations and observing programs.
Classification Summary
Supervise, direct, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opto- mechanical systems for complex telescope systems, including interfaces and scientific instruments. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies. Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Director of Operations. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects. Working closely with partners, coordinate daily observations and observing programs.
Responsible for the maintenance and operations of telescope facilities and for training, assignment and scheduling of facilities support personnel in operation of the facilities maintenance/support equipment. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work and supervises contractors. Contributes to upgrades of equipment and may lead troubleshooting exercises.
Classification Standard Duties
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Complete design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opto-, mechanical systems for complex ARC telescope systems, including interfaces to instrumentation. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies.Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Provide engineering drawings, schematics, firmware, and operator instructions. Provide hands-on instruction to other observatory staff for telescope systems. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Site Operations Manager. Advise on resolution related to conflicts of priority, schedule, and budget. Lead telescope and systems-related engineering activities during scheduled telescope maintenance shutdowns. Document and publish any engineering studies and advances in technology in professional journals. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects. Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge
University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; mechanical design including material selection, adhesives, vacuum systems, structural analysis, digital controls, statistics, thermo dynamics, dynamics and machining; astronomical telescopes, including mechanical drive systems and control servos; optical coatings, general analog and digital electronics, thermal measurement; CAD mechanical design; cryogenics and vacuum systems; fiber optics; writing and organization of drawings and other system documents.
Skills
Short- and long-term range planning; problem analysis and resolution; public contact.
Abilities
Direct, evaluate, train and supervise the work of assigned personnel; communicate effectively in written and oral form; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct several activities; analyze and evaluate information; ability to plan and organize projects; and prioritize work; respond to mechanical contingencies.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Required Experience
Ten (10) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined
Equivalency Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services. Preferred Qualifications Required Certification/License Special Requirements Other Departmental Requirements Standard Work Schedule Shift: Other Shift If not a Standard Work Schedule, please describe
Monday – Friday 7am-3pm but some early morning, late afternoon, weekends or holidays may be required
Physical Work Location State NM-New Mexico Physical Work Location County, if in New Mexico OT-Otero Work Site Sunspot Solar Observatory Contingent Upon Funding Contingent upon external funds Bargaining Unit Eligible Posting Announcement Statement This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Tenure Track No Posting Date 03/15/2023 Closing Date 04/15/2023 Anticipated Job Begin Date (optional) Anticipated Job End Date, if applicable (optional) Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the
official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted.
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/49852
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment
Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Physical Effort
Moderate physical activity.
Lifting Requirements
Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
Risk
Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
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