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Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy · 2 days ago

Observing Assistant or Associate

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$51K/yr - $60K/yr

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is seeking an Observing Assistant or Associate to support astronomers at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. The role involves operating telescopes, ensuring safety, and providing technical support during nighttime operations.

Non Profit

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Conducts a walk-through of the facility prior to operations to verify the integrity of automatic systems, safety, and to inspect for unreported failures

Carries out safety briefings for on-site observers

Acts as the Kitt Peak safety watch 4pm until sunrise

Operates the telescope at night for the observing astronomers, evaluates suitability of weather conditions for observing and continued operation, monitors telescope and instrument performance, and tracks data quality

Verbally communicates clearly and effectively with on-site and remote observers operating the instruments during nightly operations

Provides clear and accurate reports concerning technical, safety or facilities problems, and for initial troubleshooting, workarounds or solutions implemented

Assists technical and engineering staff with verification of proper telescope and instrument performance

Provides basic services including supplying and requisitioning gases and cryogenic liquids, upkeep of consumable material stocks, maintaining on-line documentation, coordination of observing logs and observing statistics

May assist daytime technical staff with instrument installation, maintenance or preparation for observing operations; becomes familiar with data acquisition techniques and rudimentary data quality assessment

Participates in emergency medical training to at least First Responder level, learns to man the fire response station and how to run the ambulance and fire truck

Takes appropriate action with site safety and emergency procedures

Reports possible snow or obstructions on observatory road to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as necessary

Qualification

Telescope operationAstronomical instrumentsBachelor's degreeData acquisition techniquesEmergency proceduresVerbal communicationWritten communication

Required

Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, engineering or related field is expected; however, substantial experience with the operation of complex computer-controlled opto-mechanical or similar equipment may be acceptable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential

Ability to work night shifts up to 15.5 hours in length for up to 6 consecutive nights in a typical 15-day rotation, and reside on site during the shift

Conducts a walk-through of the facility prior to operations to verify the integrity of automatic systems, safety, and to inspect for unreported failures

Carries out safety briefings for on-site observers

Acts as the Kitt Peak safety watch 4pm until sunrise

Verbally communicates clearly and effectively with on-site and remote observers operating the instruments during nightly operations

Provides clear and accurate reports concerning technical, safety or facilities problems, and for initial troubleshooting, workarounds or solutions implemented

Assists technical and engineering staff with verification of proper telescope and instrument performance

Participates in emergency medical training to at least First Responder level, learns to man the fire response station and how to run the ambulance and fire truck

Takes appropriate action with site safety and emergency procedures

Reports possible snow or obstructions on observatory road to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as necessary

The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, copiers, and other office machines

Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

Must be able to climb up and down narrow stairways and ladders, work in confined spaces, and work at 7,000 feet altitude for sustained periods of time in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions

The successful candidate will be physically capable of working at altitudes of 7000 feet above sea level and of performing tasks on and around the telescope and the dome

Preferred

An understanding of, or practical experience with telescopes, optical or infrared astronomical instruments, electronic detectors, or astronomical observing techniques are preferred

Benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Very attractive work environment

Company

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

AURA is a consortium of 40 US institutions and 6 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories.

Founded in 1957

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

1001-5000 employees

http://aura-astronomy.org

H1B Sponsorship

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (13)

2024 (13)

2023 (9)

2022 (14)

2021 (10)

2020 (11)