University of Arizona · 4 months ago
Junior Staff Technician (Safford, AZ) (Multiple Positions)
Safford, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$18.15/hr - $22.69/hrThe University of Arizona is seeking a Junior Staff Technician to work at the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory in Safford, Arizona. This role involves performing maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of observatory and telescope systems while working under supervision to gain skills necessary for independent work.
EducationHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Perform supervised maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of the observatory and telescope systems such as hydraulic, pneumatic, overhead cranes, cryogenic, optical components, fiber and wire networks, HVAC, and glycol cooling
Update documentation and maintain records
Work with administration and purchasing to order, receive, and maintain telescope spare parts inventory
Complete online, classroom, and on-the job training to gain skills and understanding of safety and maintenance policies and practices
Comply with applicable LBTO, MGIO, and University of Arizona policies at all locations, including LBTO, MGIO, MGIO base camp and while traveling on official business
Keep Observatory Manager notified in a timely manner of any violations or safety incidents
Safely drive on mountain roads without guardrails up to 10,500 feet including in winter conditions
Check vehicles fluids and refill as necessary. Check tire pressures and adjust as necessary. Inspect and verify all necessary safety equipment is ready for use. Install and remove vehicle tire chains as needed
Qualification
Required
Ability to perform duties at an altitude of 10,500 feet and travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp or work an overnight shift schedule on the mountain
Perform supervised maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of the observatory and telescope systems such as hydraulic, pneumatic, overhead cranes, cryogenic, optical components, fiber and wire networks, HVAC, and glycol cooling
Update documentation and maintain records
Work with administration and purchasing to order, receive, and maintain telescope spare parts inventory
Complete online, classroom, and on-the-job training to gain skills and understanding of safety and maintenance policies and practices
Comply with applicable LBTO, MGIO, and University of Arizona policies at all locations, including LBTO, MGIO, MGIO base camp and while traveling on official business
Keep Observatory Manager notified in a timely manner of any violations or safety incidents
Safely drive on mountain roads without guardrails up to 10,500 feet including in winter conditions
Check vehicles fluids and refill as necessary. Check tire pressures and adjust as necessary. Inspect and verify all necessary safety equipment is ready for use. Install and remove vehicle tire chains as needed
Familiarity of computer programs for electronic documentation retrieval and modification
Ability to gain expertise and maintain large telescope observatories or other relevant precision electrical, optical, and mechanical systems through on-the-job, online, and classroom training
Ability to complete hands-on training and safely operate in all of the following areas: boom and scissor lift operation, forklift operation, proper use of PPE, fall arrest, first aid/CPR/AED, crane operation, rigging, ladder safety, lockout/tag out, and arc flash
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp and perform work at 10,500 feet
High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required
The position is based in Safford 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
Preferred
Associates Degree or Technical School Certificate
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
Life insurance and disability programs
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
Retirement plans
Access to UA recreation and cultural activities
Company
University of Arizona
University of Arizona is a public research university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree courses.
Founded in 1885
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Arizona 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 (138)
2024 (119)
2023 (146)
2022 (135)
2021 (146)
2020 (93)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$88.9MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyGoogle.orgNational Science Foundation
2024-12-10Grant· $0.61M
2024-06-04Grant· $1M
2023-09-07Grant· $30M
Leadership Team
Chad Herzog
Associate Vice President, Arizona Arts
Lise Alschuler
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Recent News
Arizona Daily Star
2025-12-14
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2025-12-09
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